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TO THE PURCHASERS OF VOLUME I. 


A large number of purchasers have ordered only Volume I. I feel sure 
that when you have read the fascinating histories, and looked at the many 
interesting pictures in this volume, you will want to see and possess the other 
two volumes, and thus have a complete history of the Conference. As the 
years go by the pastors and their wives will change, and as you read and hear of 
other pastors and churches outside of the district covered by Volume I you will 
want to see their pictures and know something more about them. No doubt 
hundreds, if not thousands of people in course of the next five years will want 
this History, but will be unable to get it as it will be out of print. I cannot 
afford to issue a large edition anticipating the sales of two or three or five years 
hence. 

Therefore, please allow me to make a suggestion to you. If you want to 
make sure of getting Volumes II and III give your order AT ONCE to your 
local Agent, or drop me a postal card telling me to put your name on my list 
for Volumes II and III. I did contemplate publishing a second edition, and 
have been strongly advised to do so by several of the pastors. But I cannot 
afford to give any more time and strength to this History even though it might 
be quite profitable. Hence, when the first edition is exhausted no more can be 
gotten. If you want Volumes II and III you had better decide quickly. There 
can be no question as to the very low price of the work. Volumes II and III 
will likely be about the size of this volume. In fact, Volume III will likely 
contain 25 more pages than this volume. If I had known 9 months ago what I 
know' now I would have charged $1.75 and $2.00 each instead of $1.25 and $1.50 
for these volumes. In fact it has only been by the most careful economizing 
that this work could be issued at the present prices. 

There is another w'ay you can help me. Please show this Volume to your 
Methodist neighbors, and call their attention to the very low price of it, and 
also to the fact if they ever expect to get it NOW is the time to subscribe. If 
they want this volume or the other volumes send your local agent to them. In 
so doing you can do me a greater kindness than you perhaps realize, and I assure 
you I shall appreciate it. I have spared neither time, strength or money to have 
this work correct and complete. Many features have been inserted at considera- 
ble expense that might have been omitted (such as the pictures of the deceased 
ministers) but I felt the work would not have been complete without them and 
hence inserted them, and many more will appear in Volumes II and III. I feel 
that the above facts ought to be known throughout the churches, for in many of 
them, as yet, the number of sales have not reached anything like the number 
that I think we might reasonably expect. The pastors, generally, have done 
their part. Now I trust the layman will see the great volume of this work for 
them and rally to its support. 

Hopefully Yours, 

RENNETS C. MILLER. 

Nantasket, Mass., Dec. 15, ’97. 


The presswork of this Souvenir History was done by C. W. Calkins & Co., 
Printers, 52 Purchase Street, Boston, Mass., who make a specialty of fine illus- 
trated work. 




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SOUVENIR HISTORY 


OF THE 

New England Southern Conference 


IN THREE VOLUMES 

VOL. I. NEW BEDFORD DISTRICT 

VOL. II. NORWICH DISTRICT 

VOL. III. PROVIDENCE DISTRICT 

Vol. I. New Bedford District 


COMPILED AND EDITED BY 

REV. RENNETTS C. MILLER, S. T. B. 

Pastor, Methodist Episcopal Church, Nantasket, Mass. 


HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CONFERENCE BY REV. M. J. TALBOT, D. D. 


IT CONTAINS SPECIAL HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
•OF THE DISTRICT, THE CAMPMEETING ASSOCIATIONS, THE DISTRICT EPWORTH 
LEAGUE, THE VARIOUS SOCIAL UNIONS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIO 
TORICAL SKETCH OF EACH CHURCH, WITH OVER FOUR 
ENGRAVINGS OF CHURCHES, PARSONAGES, PASTORS, 

WIVES, SUNDAY-SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS, EPW 
LEAGUE PRESIDENTS, PROMINENT LAYMEN, 

OVER THREE HUNDRED PAGES. 


PICTURES AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE SUPERANNUATES, ETC. 

TWO COPIES WECEIVED^ 

1897 — Published — 1S97 
With Conference Consent and Approval, by 
REV. RENNETTS C. MILLER, 

Nantasket, Mass. 



.1 


Copyright, 

by 

Rev. Rennetts 


4 







1 


i897, 


C. Miller. 








Uo /lt>£ flftotber. 


AS AN HUMBLE TOKEN OF MY HEART-FELT GRATITUDE AND LOVE 
TO HER FOR THOSE YEARS WHEN SHE TOILED AND 
SACRIFICED AND SUFFERED THAT SHE MIGHT 
OBTAIN FOR ME THE GREAT AMBITION 

OF HER LIFE A COLLEGE 

EDUCATION. 


PUBLISHER’S NOTES. 


The Publisher, in distinction from the Editor, may be allowed a few 
words. 

After much delay we now send forth Volume I. to the public. No one 
in particular is to blame for the delay. A few delinquent churches are 
largely responsible for this long waiting. Our determination to have each 
church represented has been finally accomplished. Even with the delay 
some pictures, etc., came too late, and we have had to put them in a miscel- 
laneous group at the close of the volume. 

The engravings of this work (except a few loaned us) were made by the 
American Engraving Co. of Boston, whom we are glad to commend to our 
people. Of course, all the pictures will not appear equally good. Many of 
the photos were old and faded. In many cases the pictures had to be re- 
touched by an artist before the engravers could use them. 

Many extra features have been added to the original plan of the work 
which have increased considerably the size, and consequently the cost of 
the History. We trust the pastors and laymen will show their apprecia- 
tion for these features by renewed efforts to increase the sale of the volume 
in their respective churches. 

The tardiness in the canvass of many of the churches made it imprac- 
ticable to carry out our original plan to publish only the number of the ad- 
vance orders. We have accordingly issued a reasonable-sized edition, antici- 
pating the demand that there would be for the work. There will be no 
second edition published. Volumes II. and III. we hope to have ready for 
delivery in the latter part of January. 


R. C. M. 


INDEX OF VOLUME I. 




THE CHURCHES. 


Acushnet 7 

Barnstable 11 

Berkeley, (Mass) 23 

Bridgewater 13 

Bourne 19 

Bryantville 16 

Cataumet 25 

Centreville, (Mass) 156 

Chatham 29 

Chilmark 34 

Cottage City 37 

Dighton 39 

East Bridgewater 42 

East Falmouth 45 

East Harwich 186 

East Wareham 236 

Eastham 47 

Edgartown 50 

Fairhaven 54 

Falmouth 85 

Fall River — Brayton 58 

Fall River — First 64 

Fall River — North 68 

Fall River — St. Paul’s 75 

Fall River— Quarry St 71 

Fall River — Summerfield 80 

Little Compton 89 

Long Plain 92 

Marion 94 

Marshfield 97 

Marston’s Mills 104 

Middleboro 107 

Myricks 112 

Nantucket 114 

New Bedford — Allen St 121 

New Bedford — County St 127 

New Bedford — Cannonville 126 

New Bedford — Fourth St 131 


New Bedford — Pleasant St 135 

New Bedford — Seamen’s Bethel 125 

New Bedford — Portuguese 139 

North Dighton 141 

North Harwich 206 

North Tisbury 146 

North Truro 148 

Orleans 150 

Osterville 153 

Plymouth 159 

Plymouth— Russell’s Mills 163 

Poc as set 28 

Provincetown — Center 170 

P r o v i n cet o w n — C e n t e n ary 166 

Sagamore i 173’ 

Sandwich 176 

Somerset 179 

South Carver 182 

South Harwich 184 

South Middleboro 1S9 

South Somerset 192 

South Truro 198 

South Yarmouth 202 

Taunton— Central 207 

Taunton — First 213 

Taunton— Grace 218 

Taunton— Tremont St 222 

Truro 224 

Vineyard Haven 228 

Wareham 231 

Wellfleet 2 8 

West Dennis 243 

West Duxbury 101 

West Falmouth 245 

Westport Point 247 

Whitman 250 

Woods Holl 254 


SPECIAL ARTICLES. 


Conference Home Missions XXVII 

Conference Indorsement of this Sou- 
venir History 273 

Cummings, S. S. and His Work 262 

East Greenwich Academy XXI 

Editor’s Introduction IX 

Everett, Rev. T. J.— Biog. sketch — XLII 

Evangelists 188 

Fall River Deaconess Home XXXV 

Fall River Epworth League Union 57 

Hamlen, Pres. G. M. and His Work — 169 

Historical Sketch of Conference XII 

James, Rev. J. H. and His Work 261 

Martha’s Vineyard Camp-meeting. .XVII 
Martha’s Vineyard Revival XXXIX 

* — For a general index of the three v< 


New Bedford District League 4 

New Bedford Social Union 118 

Nutting, Rev. J. H. and His Work ...259 

Poem of Rev. J. W. Willitt 33 

Providence Deaconess Home XXXI 

Publisher’s Notes ; VI 

Superannuates — Biographical Sketches. 263 
Supernumeraries — Biographical sketches 

263 

Taunton Social Union 204 


Woman’s Home Missionary Society 

XXIX 

Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society 

257 

Yarmouth Camp-meeting 1 

lumes see close of Vol. III. 


VIII 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


SPECIAL PICTURES. 


Bishops of M. E. Church II 

Blakeslee, Principal F. D XXII 

Cranberry Scene on Cape Cod 235 

Cummings, S. S 262 

Deceased members of our Conference, 
XV, XVI. 92, 96, (F. Upham and Lewis 

Bates) 270, 272 

Deceased Presiding Elders XI 

Dunbar, W. M 204 


East Greenwich Academy Faculty .XXIII 
East Greenwich Academy Students 

XXVI 

Everett, Rev. T. J. — Presiding Elder 


XLII 

Everett, Mrs. T. J XXIX 

Fall River Deaconesses XXXVII 

Fall River Deaconess Heme XXXV 

Flint, Jno. D XXXVI 

Gould, Rev. Jno. B XXXIX 

Hamlen, Pres. G. M. and wife 169 

James, Rev. J. H 261 

James, Mrs. J. H 258 

Jones, Rev. E. F 188 

King. G. W. and wife 215 

Lincoln, C. H 204 

Local Preachers, 120, 174, 263 

Map of Our Conference I 


Martha’s Vineyard Camp-meeting— 50 


years ago XVIII, XIX, XX 

Martha’s Vineyard Camp-meeting Au- 


ditorium XXI 

Miscellaneous pictures 271 

Montgomery, J. F 204 

Morrison, Mrs. W. V 22 

Nutting, Rev. J. H 260 

Presiding Elders 273 

Providence Deaconesses XXXII 

Providence Deaconess Home XXXI 

Raymond, R. F 119 

Sockanosset School for Boys 260 

Superannuates and Supernumeraries 

XI, XVII, XXVII, 53, 70, 145 

165, 272. 

Thompson, F. L 118 

Tregaskis, Rev. Jas 188 

Tregaskis, Mrs. Jas 258 

Webster Home 98 

Yarmouth Camp-meeting, Hanover 

Square 3 

Yarmouth Camp-meeting, Tabernacle 

(interior) 3 

Yarmouth Camp-meeting, Tabernacle, 

(exterior) 237 

Yarmouth Camp-meeting, Railroad 
Park 217 


DISTINGUISHED METHODIST MINISTERS FORMERLY MEMBERS OF OUR 

CONFERENCE. 


Bates, L. B 96 

Binney, Amos (deceased) 96 

Chapman, J. A. M 46 

Canoll Angelo /^deceased) 272 

Dorchester, Daniel 6 

Gallagher, Ex.-Pres. C. W 46 

Goodell, C. L 46 

Gracey, S. L 96 

Hamilton, J. Benson 272 

Hatfield, R. M., (deceased) 96 

Haynes, Emory J 4j 

Hutchinson, Pres. B. W 6 

Jordan, D. A 46 

Kimball, H. D 46 

Macdonald, Wm 46 


* — Since the earlier pages of Vol. I 
Townsend was never a member of our Co 
leading pulpits while teaching in Boston 


McChesney, Ensign 96 

Nutter, C. S 46 

Payne, Ex. Pres. Chas. H 6 

Pitblado, C. B 96 

Reed, Pres. George E 6 

Stevens, Abel, (deceased) 165 

Taylor, E. M 46 

Taylor, E. T., (“Father Taylor’’ — de- 
ceased) 96 

* — Townsend, Prof. L. T 6 

Trafton, Mark 96 

Upham, Prof. S. F 6 

Whittaker, N. T 272 

Worth, W. T 46 


were printed we have learned that Prof, 
nference. But has supplied some of our 
University. 


EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION. 


Believing that the story of the struggles and triumphs of the 
churches in our Conference will send a new impulse of holy 
zeal into thousands of lukewarm hearts, and inspire renewed loy- 
alty to our church, I offer this History to the public. The discour- 
aged people in many a church to-day can but gain new faith in God, 
and take fresh courage in their heroic efforts as they read of the 
wonderful way God has led many other churches out of bondage. 
The skeptic will find not a few interesting questions arising in the 
story of the churches that will be difficult for him to answer. The 
believer in prayer, faith, and God’s over-ruling providence will find 
much to cheer and comfort him. 

The grand possibilities of our village and country churches will 
find many striking confirmations in these pages. Thus one village 
church (North Dighton) alone has furnished five ministers, one of 
whom is the distinguished Methodist educator and divine, Charles H. 
Payne, D. D., LL. D. 

This History calls attention anew (as many a pastor has found in 
searching for historical data) to the very important Disciplinary ques- 
tion, “Are the records properly kept?” Many cases have come under 
my observation where great and important church projects have been 
carried out, but not a line can be found in the church records concern- 
ing them. Doubtless many a pastor will look in vain for some refer- 
ence to a successful work done in a former charge — simply because 
the present pastor in preparing the historical sketch for this work 
found nothing on the records to indicate such a work. 

The pictures of “distinguished Methodist ministers formerly mem- 
bers of our Conference” will be an interesting feature. More will ap- 
pear in Volumes II. and III. We doubt if there is another such a 
Conference in Methodism that has furnished other Conferences with 
so many of their ablest ministers. 

In this volume I have given also> a part of the pictures of the 
deceased members of our Conference. The pictures of as many others, 
as can be secured, will be published in Volumes II. and III. I 
ask for assistance from all our friends in securing the pictures of 
all the deceased members of the Conference. As the countless friends 
and spiritual children of these heroes of earlier days look upon their 
faces in these pages, doubtless many tender and sacred memories will 
be revived. If some lukewarm, an d, perhaps, back-slidden souls, 

“Seeing shall take heart again,” 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


R 

I shall feel that I have not spent, in vain, the many precious hours 
upon this History. 

The biographies of the veterans (pp. 264-70) are very interesting. 
They deserve more recognition. After much correspondence for data 
the sketches herein given were compiled. 

The most of the historical sketches of the individual churches 
have been written by the pastors, but in many cases the Editor has 
made additions gathered from reliable sources. 

The special articles are all well written, and will greatly add to 
the value of the work. The story of the conversion of General U. S. 
Grant at Cottage City camp-meeting in 1874 will be valuable histori- 
cal data for the coming biographer of the great general. 

It is not improbable that there may have been many great reviv- 
als within the bounds of our Conference as noteworthy as that of 
Martha’s Vineyard in 1853. But the fame of this one has long echoed 
in the Conference, and it seemed especially fitting to have Rev. Mr. 
Gould himself relate it to us while still living that we may “tell it to 
the generation following.” 

In the interesting article on the district Epworth League Mrs. 
Douglas speaks of a very popular and widely-circulated booklet is- 
sued by the District League. The author’s modesty forbade her say- 
ing that that booklet, “What Can We Do: A Handbook for Epworth 
Leaguers,” was prepared largely by herself. 

Before closing these words I want to thank the many friends who 
have helped, and in various ways encouraged me in this trying enter- 
prise. Their kind words often came when greatly needed. I am pro- 
foundly grateful to the pastors who have quite generally given me 
their “hearty co-operation” in the preparation of the individual church 
histories-, and in encouraging the sale of the work among their people. 
I am greatly indebted to many of the older ministers in the Confer- 
ence for their thoughtful suggestions. Among these I especially 
prize the wise counsels of my presiding elder, Dr. E. C. Bass. Rev. 
W. I.* Ward has rendered much valuable assistance in “proof-reading” 
and editorial suggestions. Last of all, I want to acknowledge my 
indebtedness to my faithful wife, whose good judgment and abun- 
dant labors have contributed more, perhaps, than anything else 
towards whatever success has attended the publication of this- Sou- 
venir History. 

Notwithstanding all our carefulness, many errors will likely ap- 
pear. But if the public will only apply the Golden Rule in its criti- 
cism I shall be satisfied.' 

RENNETTS C. MILLER. 

Nantasket, Mass., Dec. 6, 1897. 


Thomas Ely. Wm. Livesey. C. H. Titus. Levi Daggett. S. C. Brown. E. Benton. Paul Townsend. 

1833-V i83o-’75 i844-’78 i842-’s7 i844-’9o i832-’84 i 8 ;? 8-’77 

W. T. Harlow. A. Palmer. P. T. Kenney G. W. Brewster. D. Patten. L. W. Blood. James Mather. 

1 84 1 -’8 1 i83S-’77 i833-’69 1842-V i8io-’79 1838A89 i844 J 94 

The dates indicate the years spent in the ministry, for dates of their presiding eldership see pages xiv.-xvi. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CONFERENCE. 

By Rev. M. J. Talbot, D. D. 

Bv the action of the General Conference, held in 1840, the Provi- 
dence Conference was constituted of those pastoral charges, and the 
ministers stationed in them for the time being, which are situated 

within the present boundaries of the 
New England Southern Conference. 
There were then, as there are now, 
three Presiding Elders’ Districts: the 
Providence, New London and Sand- 
wich. At the first session, held at 
Providence in 1841, the Elders ap- 
pointed to preside over these districts 
were: Providence District, B. Other- 
man; New London District, A. U. 
Swinerton; Sandwich District, F. Up- 
ham. Messrs. Otherman, Swinerton 
and Upham had been Presiding Elders 
in the New England Conference, 
before the separation. 

1842, the same, except that William 
Livesey was appointed Presiding El- 
der of New London District. 

1843, ^e districts were called New Bedford, Sandwich and New 
London, the name of Providence District having been discontinued 
and the territory remaining as before defined: i. e., embracing the 
eastern and northern portions of the present New Bedford District, 
and all of Rhode Island. The Presiding Elders were: Sandwich 
District, Frederick Upham; New Bedford District, B. Otheman; New 
London District, Ralph W. Allen. The name of Providence District 
again appears in 1848 with Thomas Ely Presiding Elder, the territory 
remaining the same as under the previous designation. After this 
term of service David Patten was appointed to the district. Before 
his four years came to a close he had received and accepted a call to 
a professorship in the Biblical Institute at Concord, N. H., where he 
undertook and accomplished the task of raising funds sufficient to 
endow the institution and secure its removal to Boston, where it 
became the School of Theology of Boston University. 

The form and dimensions of the district were practically un- 
changed until 1869, the Presiding Elders during this interval being 
Charles H. Titus, George M. Carpenter, Paul Townsend and Samuel 
C. Brown. In the last named year, Bishop D. W. Clark presiding, the 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XIII 


Conference was divided into five districts, named Providence, New 
Bedford, Sandwich, Norwich and Danielsonville. Providence Dis- 
trict was constituted of Rhode Island (except Washington County and 
the towns on the northern border of the state) with a few adjacent 
towns in Massachusetts. This plan was in existence but a single year, 
at the close of which the number of districts was reduced to four, 
Danielsonville being eliminated. After a few years the original num- 
ber was restored, M. J. Talbot and George W. Brewster having 
occupied the presiding eldership four years each till 1878, when D. A. 
Whedon was appointed. At the Conference of 1879 Bishop Gilbert 
Haven made the experiment of a new layout of the territory, forming 
the Providence North District, comprising the parishes lying north 
of the great railways running east and west through the Conference 
from Massachusetts Bay to the Connecticut River, with exceptional 
stations south of that line; Providence District, composed of the parts 
of Rhode Island and Connecticut south of the above named boundary, 
with a portion of Massachusetts; and New Bedford District. 

This arrangement continued three years, D. A. Whedon being 
Presiding Elder of Providence District and M. J. Talbot of Provi- 
dence North, the dividing line passing through the city of Providence. 
Dr. Whedon’s term having expired in 1882, the form of districts now 
existing was adopted, and M. J. Talbot was again appointed to Provi- 
dence District and continued in that relation until 1886, when he was 
succeeded by D. A. Jordan for four years, and he by S. O. Benton, 
the first who has filled the office, in this district, for the continuous 
term of six years. 

DISTRICTS AND PRESIDING ELDERS. 

1840-1842. 

Providence District: 

Bartholomew Otheman, ’40, ’41, ’42. 

Nezv London District: 

Asa W. Swinerton, ’40, ’41. 

William Livesey, ’42. 

Sandwich District: 

Frederick Upham, ’40, ’41, ’42. 

1843-1847. 

New Bedford District: 

Bartholomew Otheman, ’43. 

Frederick Upham, ’44, ’45, ’46, ’47. 

New London District: 

Ralph W. Allen, ’43, ’44, ’45, ’46. 

Erastus Benton, ’47. 

Sandwich District: 

Frederick Upham, ’43. 


XIV 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Bartholomew Otheman, ’44, ’45, ’46, ’47. 

1848-1868. 

Providence District: 


Thomas Ely, ’48, ’49, ’50, ’51. 

David Patten, ’52, ’53, ’54. 

Charles H. Titus, ’55, ’56, ’57, ’58. 
George M. Carpenter, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62. 
Paul Townsend, ’63, ’64, ’65. 

Samuel C. Brown, ’66, ’67, ’68. 

New London District: 

Erastus Benton, ’48, ’49, ’50. 
Bartholomew Otheman, ’51, ’52, ’53, ’54. 
Levi Daggett, Tr., ’ss, ’s6. 

Anthony Palmer, ’57, ’58. 

L. W. Blood, ’59, ’60. 

Erastus Benton, ’61, ’62. 

George M. Carpenter, ’63, ’64. 

Pardon T. Kenney, ’65, ’66, ’67, ’68. 
Sandwich District: 

William T. Harlow, ’48, ’49, ’50, ’51. 
Pardon T. Kenney, ’32, ’S3, ’S4, ’SS- 
Paul Townsend, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’59. 

Nathan P. Philbrook, ’60, ’61. 

Pardon T. Kenney, ’62, ’63, ’64. 

Thomas Ely, ’65, ’66, ’67, ’68. 

1869. 

Providence District: 

S. C. Brown. 

Norwich District: 

Charles Nason. 

Danielsonville District: 

G. W. Brewster. 


New Bedford District: 

M. J. Talbot. 
Sandwich District: 

W. T. Harlow. 


1870-1877. 

Providence District: 

Micah J. Talbot, ’70, ’71, ’72, ’73. 
George W. Brewster, ’74, ’75, ’76, ’77. 
Norwich District: 

George W. Brewster, ’70, ’71, ’72, ’73. 
William H. Stetson, ’74, ’75, ’76. 

James Mather, ’77. 

Fall River District: 

Samuel C. Brown, ’70, ’71, ’72, ’73. 
William V. Morrison, ’74, ’75, ’76, ’77. 
New Bedford District: 

William T. Harlow, ’70, ’71, ’72. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XV 


James Mather, ’73, ’74, ’75, ’76. 
William H. Stetson, ’77. 

i 878. 

Providence District: 

D. A. Whedon. 

Norwich District: 

James Mather. 

.New Bedford District: 

W. H. Stetson. 

1879-1881. 

Providence District: 

D. A. Whedon. 

Providence North District: 

M. J. Talbot. 

New Bedford District: 

J. W. Willett. 


1882-1897. 

Providence District: 

Micah J. Talbot, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85. 

Dwight A. Jordan, ’86," ’87, ’88, ’89. 

Stephen O. Benton, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94, ’95. 
Edward C. Bass, ’96, ’97. 

Norzvich District: 

Henry D. Robinson, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85. 
Edward Edson, ’86, ’87, ’88. 

Eben Tirrell, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94. 
George H. Bates, ’95, ’96, ’97. 

New Bedford District: 

John W. Willett, ’82. 

William V. Morrison, ’83, ’84, ’85, ’86 
Charles W. Gallagher, ’87, ’88. 

Walter Ela, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94. 
Thomas J. Everett, ’95, ’96, ’97. 



DECEASED MEMBERS OK OUR CONFERENCE. 

N. Goodrich. C, Morse. I. Washburn. B. A. Chase. 

1843-V i845-’8s- i 8 i 6-’64 1858-74. 

The dates indicate the years spent in the ministry. 



Jno. Livesev. M. P. Alderman. Daniel Webb. S. W. Coggeshai.l. E. B Bradford. L. D. Bentley. Richard Livesey. 

i844-’93 ^35- ? 92 J 79 8 *’ 6 7 1832^85 1847-V 1834^57 

H. S. Smith. George Morse. B. C. Phelps. E. D. Hall. S. McKeown. E. H. Hatfiklt . A. N. Searles. 

j8^3-’92 i 863 -’96 i 834- ? 96 j862-’96 i 839-’90 i884-\)5 

The claves indicate the years spent in the ministry. 




MARTHA’S VINEYARD CAMP-MEETING. 

By. Rev. W. V. Morrison, D. D. 

In August, 1835, a few Methodists 
on the Island and neighboring main 
held a camp-meeting in a beautiful 
oak' grove on Martha’s Vineyard. 
There were but nine rudely-con- 
structed tents erected that season, and 
only a few hundred people in attend- 
ance at the meeting. There were* 
however, no such disturbances from 
outsiders as were experienced at simi- 
lar meetings on the mainland in those 
days. 

The climate of the Vineyard was 
charming to these worshippers, as 
the gentle breezes of summer reached 
them from the surface of the salt 
water. The white sails of numerous vessels cheered their vision 
as they looked out on Vineyard Sound, which was then, as now, 
the great roadway for commerce along the coast east and west, and 
where it is said more vessels pass annually than in any other waters in 
the world except in the English Channel. The preaching was a deal 
and forcible presentation of the prominent doctrines of Scripture which 
pertain to man’s salvation. The Holy Spirit enforced the truth and 
great good was accomplished. This was the forerunner of one of the 
most remarkable series of camp-meetings ever held in America, and 
which, with the exception of a single year — 1845 — has continued till 
the present time. The first years of its history were characterized by 
remarkable displays of Divine power among the people, resulting in 
the quickening of believers and the conversion of many sinners. The 
natural attractions of the place, however, early claimed attention. Many 
began to go a week or two before the date fixed for the meeting, and 
after the services closed others remained for rest and recreation. The 
number visiting the place gradually increased from time to time till 
20,000 or more have been seen there in recent years. Small family 
tents sprung up around the large church tents, and furnished many 
comforts hitherto unknown to the worshippers; after a few years these 
were replaced by beautiful cottages, in which the conveniences of home 
life are enjoyed from two to four months each season. As the shade 
of the old oaks began to disappear, a large canvas covering served to 
protect the congregations, and this in 1879 gave way after many years 











V ivi%- 



T' : ' 


SSr 


c 


MARTHA’S VINEYARD CAMP-MEETING FIFTY _YEARS AGO 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XIX 


of service to the great iron Tabernacle which now so admirably serves 
as a place of worship. The adjacent grounds have been cleared up, 
handsomely laid out and beautifully ornamented with shade trees, con- 
crete walks, grass plots and flower beds. Around this old camp- 



CAMP MEETING SCENES FIFTY YEARS AGO. 


ground Cottage City has grown up, with superb transportation accom- 
modations, fine residences, large hotels, numerous attractions and con- 
veniences, furnishing one of the most desirable watering places on the 
Atlantic coast. 

This history, however, would not be complete without brief refer- 
ence to a few visits made by men eminent in the councils of the 
nation. In 1862 Governor Andrew, the great war Governor of Massa- 
chusetts, visited the meeting. His coming was the occasion of an im- 
mense gathering at Cottage City. The audience assembled for the 
afternoon was far beyond the seating capacity of the place. After an 
able sermon by Rev. J. A. M. Chapman, His Excellency being previ- 
ously invited, followed in an address of masterly eloquence occupying 
an hour and a quarter. The historian of that occasion says: “He took a 
broad view of the present state of the country, and the history of our 
liberties. He spoke especially of slavery as the cause of our troubles, 
which he believed it was the design of God to destroy before giving 
us peace, and urged it as a religious duty to hasten to the rescue.” 
His address was enthusiastically received by the people, and his senti- 
ments cheered again and again by Amens from the audience. 

In 1874 President U. S. Grant and party, including his wife, 
visited the meeting. Sunday was a great day; many thousands had 
arrived from the cities on the main. General Grant and most of his 
party were seated on the preacher’s stand; there were also present more 
than one hundred ministers, and an immense audience vastly beyond 
the seating capacity of the auditorium. The morning sermon was by 


XX 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Bishop Gilbert Haven, D. D.; text: Joel iii, 14: “Multitudes, multi- 
tudes, in the valley of decision.” It was one of the greatest sermons 
of his life. The Holy Spirit enforced the truth as he uttered it, and 
die thronging thousands were profoundly stirred. The sermon was 



CAMP MEETING SCENES FIFTY YEARS AGO. 


followed by a prayer service; hundreds knelt in fervent supplication, 
every heart in the vast multitude was moved by the power of God. 
General Grant sat in the midst, in appearance solemn and thoughtful. 
Being near him, I said to him: “General, you have commanded armies 
and they obeyed you; there is One above us all who claims your ser- 
vice, will you not bow with us?” After a moment’s waiting he replied: 
“Thank you,” and bowed his head. Following this service, a season 
of prayer, with his approval, was held by a few friends at the cottage 
where he and his wife were stopping. After his death, which occurred 
July 25, 1885, in a paper written by one of his former pastors at the 
Metropolitan Church in Washington, and who was present on the oc- 
casion above described, expresses the belief that General Grant entered 
into peace with God at Martha’s Vineyard, and that through the later 
years of his life and severe illness, he was supported by the well- 
grounded hope of a blissful immortality. 

At this writing the sixty-second camp-meeting here is in success- 
ful progress, with services well attended, spiritual and helpful. Al- 
though the revival type of the services has somewhat changed, yet 
no one familiar with the history of the meeting can call in question 
its continued usefulness. 

The Association was incorporated for religious purposes, and has 
steadily adhered to this end in all its endeavors. The following are its 
officers, many of whom have served in their positions with great fidelity 
for more than a score of years: 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XXI 


President — Rev. M. J. Talbot, D. D. 

Vice-President — Rev. L. B. Bates, D. D. 

Treasurer — E. G. Eldridge. 

Secretary — Eli H. Howard. 

Directors — Rev. S. F. Upham, D. D., Rev. J. W. Willett, J. D. 



THE PRESENT AUDITORIUM. 


Flint, A. J. Nickerson, Jacob Burt, A. J. Manchester, Rev. W. V. 
Morrison, D. D., Rev. J. B. Gould, Caleb L. Ellis, Robert C. Brown, 
Cyrus Washburn, E. T. Sampson, Rev. A. W. Kingsley, Rev. F. P. 
Parkin, Z. L. Bicknell, E. G. Eldridge, S. H. Bailey, L. B. West. 


EAST GREENWICH ACADEMY. 

This institution was established in its present location in East 
Greenwich in the year 1802, as the Kent Academy. It was the second 
school of the kind in the state, and has continued to the present time 
without interruption for a single year. From the time of its founding 
the school continued under the administration of the corporation until 
its purchase, November 9th, 1841, by the Providence Conference (now 
New England Southern) of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A new 
charter for the institution was then obtained under the name of “The 
Providence Conference Academy.” The corporate title was afterward 
changed to “The Providence Conference Seminary and Musical Insti- 
tute.” In 1884 the property passed into the hands of a stock company; 
but four years later, in 1888, the stock was surrendered and the stock 


XXII 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


company as such was abolished. It is now (1897) under the joint 
control of the New England Southern Conference and a body of 
able and carefully selected corporators. 

The buildings are on an eminence 
on the western shore of Narragansett 
Bay, and the location is of surpassing 
beauty, presenting a view of both 
shores of the bay for a distance of 
twenty miles or more. From the 
Academy building may be seen with 
the naked eye the cities of Providence, 
Fall River, Warren, Bristol and New- 
port. Many persons who have visited 
Europe pronounce the view from the 
institution equal to that of the bay of 
Naples. The Academy grounds con- 
tain five acres, giving a large campus 
and a lawn beautifully laid out and 
ornamented with trees and shrubbery. 
In the centre of these grounds 
stands the Academy building proper, one of the finest structures of 
its kind, erected in 1858. It contains a very superior chapel, commo- 
dious recitation rooms, art room, rooms for literary societies, offices, 
cabinet, laboratory, library and reading room. The original building 
was removed to its present site on Spring street, where, with some 
modifications, it is still in use for a public school. The Boarding Hall 
was erected in 1846, and in 1868 it was remodeled and enlarged at a 
cost of about $15,000. In the early morning of August nth, 1896, this 
building, with its contents, was totally destroyed by fire. Since then it 
has been necessary to supplement the other dormitory accommodations 
by cottages. A new one of eighteen rooms and all modern con- 
veniences was opened to students September 14, 1897. This fronts 
on Church Street. An elegant new dining-room and kitchen have been 
provided in the basement of the Academy building. The present ar- 
rangement, with better rooms and new furniture, gives more com- 
fortable quarters than those in the burned structure. The third build- 
ing, a private residence, situated on the north side of the Academy 
grounds, now known as the Winsor House, and used as a dormitory 
by teachers and students, was purchased by the institution in 1856. 

Across the street from the Boarding Hall is the Principal’s resi- 
dence, acquired in 1888, with convenient and elegant parlors for use 
in the social life of the school. All these buildings are heated with 
steam and lighted by electricity. 



PRIN. F. D. BLAKESLEE, D. D. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XXIII 



FACULTY OF EAST GREENWICH ACADEMY. 

The design of the school is to furnish the best possible facilities 
for a thorough culture, under religious influences, in all departments 
of academic instruction. The institution has a library; and the mem- 
bers of the school have access also to> the excellent free library of the 
town, of which the Principal is president, a few rods distant from the 
Academy grounds. The geological and mineralogical cabinet em- 
braces about three thousand specimens, and is rarely surpassed in 
variety and completeness. It has recently been completely reor- 
ganized. The specimens were all newly labelled and arranged under 
the direction of a Russian expert, for practical use in the classes of 
geology, mineralogy, etc. A, number of fine specimens of silver and 
gold ore from the Rocky Mountains, over fifty typical specimens of 
valuable minerals, fossil remains and geological formations from Kan- 
sas and various marbles from New England, are among recent 
accessions. 

The institution has a good philosophical and chemical apparatus; 
a superior stereopticon; a set of English astronomical slides, showing 
the various real and apparent motions of the heavenly bodies; a fine 
collection of Levy’s lantern views; an electric machine, with a twenty- 
four inch plate; Wightman’s gasometers, arid a new compound micro- 
scope. 

The “Philognothian” and the “Adelphian” societies of gentlemen, 
and the “Aletheon,” a society of ladies, hold stated meetings for dis- 
cussions and other literary exercises. 


XXIV 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


A large and well-conducted reading room is supplied with the 
most valuable and popular papers and periodicals from various por- 
tions of the country. 

The first conservatory of music in America was opened here in 
1859 by the late Eben Tourjee, director of the New England Conser- 
vatory of Music, Boston. No academy in the country has been more 
widely celebrated for the superiority of its musical department. Pupils 
are here placed under the same systematic drill and receive for the 
most part the same studies which would be given them in the best 
conservatories of Europe. 

There is also a commercial college connected with the academy, 
and a department of stenography and typewriting; also an art depart- 
ment. A normal department was opened in 1888, which has trained 
several now successful teachers. Particular attention is also paid to 
elocution. The college preparatory department ranks among the first 
in New England. 

In 1888 the institution received $43,000 from the estate of the late 
Stephen T. Olney of Providence; $13,000 of this was used in paying a 
mortgage debt, leaving $30,000 permanent endowment. 

Following is the list of principals of the institution since it was 
founded: 

Abner Alden, A. M., 1802-1808; Josenh L. Tillinghast, A. M., 
1808-1811; Aaron Putnam, A. M., 181 1-1812; Ezekiel Rich. A. M., 
1812-1815; James Underwood, A. M., 1815-1817; Rev. Daniel Waldo, 
A. M., died at the age of 104, 1817-1818; Benjamin F. Allen, A. M., 
1818-1822; Nathan Whiting, A. M., 1822-1823; Charles H. Alden, 
A. M., 1823-1825; Rev. Ebenezer Coleman, A. M., 1825-1826; Chris- 
topher Robinson, A. M., 1826-1829; Rev. Henry Edes, A. M., 1829- 
1831 ; Penuel Corbett, A. M., 1831-1832; Christopher Robinson, A. M., 
1832-1833; George W. Green, A. M., 1833-1834; Joseph Harrington, 
A. M., 1834; Joshua O. Coburn, A. M., 1834-1835; Thomas P. Rod- 
man, A. M., 1835-1836; Joshua O. Coburn, A. M., 1836-1838; Rev. 
James Richardson, A. M., 1838-1839; Rev. Daniel G. Allen, 1839-1841; 
Rev. Benjamin F. Tefft, A. M., 1841-1842; Rev. George F. Pool, A. B., 
1842-1843; Rev. Daniel G. Allen, 1843-1844; George B. Cone, A, M., 
1844-1847; Rev. William Bagnall, A. M., 1847-1848; Rev. Robert 
Allyn, A. M., 1848-1854; Rev. George W. Quereau, A. M., 1854-1858; 
Rev. Micah J. Talbot, A. M., 1858-1862; Rev. Bernice D. Ames, 
A. M., 1862-1864; Rev. James T. Edwards, A. M., 1864-1870; Rev. 
David H. Ela, 1871-1873; Rev. Francis D. Blakeslee, A. M., 1873- 
1884; Rev. Oliver H. Fernald, A. M., 1884-1885; Rev. Orange W. 
Scott, 1885-1886; Rev. Leonard L. Beeman, A. M., 1886-1887; Rev. 
Francis D. Blakeslee, D. D.. 1887 — present Principal. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. XXV 

FACULTY. 

1897-98. 

Rev. FRANCIS D. BLAKESLEE, A. M., D. D, Principal, 
Syracuse and Wesleyan Universities. 

Greek and Roman History. 


GEORGE D. BUSSEY, A. B., Vice-President. 
Harvard University. 

Mathematics and Natural Science. 


THERON C. STRICKLAND, 
Commercial Department, 


RUSSELL B. MILLER, A. M., 
. Ohio Wesleyan University. 
Greek and Latin. 


Mrs. AUGUSTA M. BLAKESLEE, A. M., Preceptress, 
Syracuse University. 


Mrs. ISADORA B. BUSSEY. 
New England Conservatory. 
Director of Music, Organ and Piano. 


Miss A. JENNIE COX, 
Art Department. 


Mrs. MARY A. STRICKLAND, 
Stenography and Typewriting. 


Miss ANNA M. STARBUCK, 
French, Normal and English. 


Miss ADDIE E. ROES, 
Emerson School of Oratory. 
Elocution. 


Miss ANNE A. LATHROP, 
Wellesley and Radcliffe Colleges. 
History and English. 


Miss ANNA F. SMITH, 
East Greenwich Academy. 
Vocal Culture and Piano. 


Mrs. LILLIAN M. MILLER, B. L., 
Ohio Wesleyan University. 
German. 



EAST GREENWICH ACADEMY STUDENTS 









SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XXVII 


Among the prominent alumni of 
the Academy may be mentioned the 
Rt. Rev. Willard F. Mallalieu, D. D.; 
the Rev. William F. Warren, D. D.; 
LL. D., President of Boston Univer- 
sity; the Rev. C. H. Payne, D. D., 
Secretary of the Board of Education 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church; 
the Rev. S. F. Upham, D. D., LL. 
D., Professor in Drew Theological 
Seminary; the Hon. Nelson Aldrich, 
United States Senator from Rhode 
Island; Prof. Alonzo Williams, of 
Brown University, and Justices Mat- 
teson and Tillinghast of the Supreme 
Court of the state. 

The institution has exerted an important influence in the educa- 
tional work of the state, a large proportion of its public school teach- 
ers having been educated here. Its alumni are found in prominent 
positions in business life and official stations. 



D. A. WHEDON, ■ D. D. 
President Board of Trustees. 


CONFERENCE HOME MISSIONS. 

By W. I. Ward. 

During the session of 1878 the Conference organized the Confer- 
ence Home Missionary Society, declaring its object to be a more 
vigorous prosecution of the missionary work within the bounds of 
the Conference. W. V. Morrison, D. D., who had earnestly advocated 
the movement and had been largely influential in giving it form, was 
made first president of the society. Fifteen years later, after the 
wisdom of the general plan of operation and the importance of the 
work had been fully demonstrated, the form of organization was 
changed, and the Board of Conference Home Missions was sub- 
stituted for the Conference Home Missionary Society. 

The officers of the Board are chosen annually by the Annual 
Conference. The presiding elders are members ex officio. There are 
eighteen other members of the board, three ministers and three lay- 
men from each presiding elder’s district. These are elected by the 
Annual Conference in classes, each class consisting of one minister and 
one layman from each district. One class is elected each year to serve 
during a term of three years. 

The work undertaken by the society, and now committed to the 
Board, is to provide and administer financial aid at specially needy 


XXVIII 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


and deserving points within our Conference. By its aid unoccupied 
fields have been entered and churches established therein. In charges 
already established it has helped to acquire new church property or to 
improve the old. It has come to the relief of burdensome indebted- 
ness and has encouraged the maintenance of existing churches in. 
communities which need them, but are unable adequately to support 
them. There are in the Conference about twenty churches which were 
organized under the fostering care of the home mission movement. 
The erection or improvement of more than thirty houses of worship 
has been secured by the co-operation of this organization. In various 
ways over eighty churches have received needed assistance from this 
source. \ 

Funds to support this work are raised in several ways: 

1. The Conference asks and expects each church to take a collec- 
tion every year for this cause. 

2. There is a “Standing Subscription List” on which a consider- 
able number of persons have placed their names pledging themselves 
to pay annually, until they give notice to the contrary, a fixed sum to 
the treasurer of the Board, beside contributing to the cause through 
the regular channel of the collections in the local church. 

3. Several sums, aggregating $2,000, have been given to the 
Conference Trustees with instructions that the income thereof shall 
be paid each year to the Board. 

The officers and members of the Board are as follows: 

President — R. S. Douglas. 

Vice-President — Costello Lippitt. 

Secretary — W. I. Ward. 

Treasurer — J. S. Bridgford. 

Ex-Officio Members — The Presiding Elders. 

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS. 

For One Y ear — H. D. Robinson, S. O. Benton, W. J. Yates, S H 
Bailey, James Taylor, H. B. Smith. 

For Two Years— H. B. Cady, B. F. Simon ,J. S. Wadsworth, J. W. 
Horton, W. E. Walker, F. M. Messenger. 

For Three Years— G. W. Hunt, E. F. Clark, F. C. Baker T D 
Flint, David Gordon, J. E. C. Farnham. 


WOMAN’S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

By Mrs. T. J. Everett. 

The Woman’s Home Missionary 
Society of the New England South- 
ern Conference was organized in 1883 
at the Chestnut Street Church, Provi- 
dence, during the session of the An- 
nual Conference. Mrs. R. S. Rust of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, General Corres- 
ponding Secretary of the society, and 
Mrs. L. M. Dunton of South Caro- 
lina, addressed the meeting and as- 
sisted in the organization. Mrs. 
Joseph Hollingshead was elected 
President; Mrs. James Mather, Cor- 
responding Secretary and Treasurer, 
and Miss E. L. Manchester, Record- 
ing Secretary. 

During the early years of the society these ladies, together with 
a constantly increasing number of assistants, did valiant service in 
establishing the society and securing its recognition in the Conference. 

By years of residence in the South, Mrs. Mather was providen- 
tially fitted for the work. She spared neither time, strength, nor 
means in seeking to arouse the women of the church to the great 
need of missionary work among the neglected classes of our own 
country. 

Gradually hearts warmed toward this new department of the 
Master’s work, and the first year witnessed the organization of five 
auxiliaries. During the years since the society has gained slowly but 
steadily. At the last report we had forty-one organizations, with 
a membership of about nine hundred adults and two hundred and 
fifty young people and children. The cash receipts for all departments 
of work were about $3,000. In addition to this the society has done 
good work in sending much needed supplies to the frontier. 

For several years the special work of the society was the estab- 
lishing of a Model Home and Industrial and Training School at Cam- 
den, South Carolina. A legacy of $2,000 from Mrs. Fannie O. Brown- 
ing of Montville, Conn., greatly assisted in this work, and the new 
home was called by her name. 

This home and school has now for years been doing a much 
needed and very successful work among the colored young people 
in its vicinity. Last year forty girls lived in the home. The day 
school had an average attendance of one hundred and twenty-five 



MRS. T. J. EVERETT. 


XXX 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


and the night school thirty-three pupils. The ages of the pupils 
range from ten. to twenty-five. The advantages of such an institu- 
tion are highly prized by the people of the community. Its current 
expenses are more than met by the tuition from pupils. The building 
is now being enlarged to provide for the work. 

Other departments of the society’s work have not been neglected. 
Through the gifts and prayers of the women of our Conference, souls 
have been saved and lives brightened in far distant regions, — among 
the Negroes, Indians, Chinese and Alaskans. Not only this, but the 
“children of the poor” are being cared for at our homes at York 
and Tivoli. The sinning and suffering ones of the “submerged tenth” 
in our great cities are being sought and ministered to by our mission- 
aries and deaconesses, and the strangers at our gates are being wel- 
comed, sheltered and guided into- safe paths. In all these blessed 
ministries we have a share. May opportunities for future usefulness 
be greatly increased by large accessions to its ranks of workers and 
added gifts to its treasury. The present officers of the society are: 

President — Mrs. T. J. Everett. 

Corresponding Secretary — Mrs. J. A. Southard. 

Recording Secretary — Mrs. J. H. Allen. 

Treasurer — Mrs. J. F. Cooper. 


THE PROVIDENCE DEACONESS HOME. 

By Miss Margaret E. Todd, Supt. 

The home was opened 
early in June, 1895, in a 
rented apartment of 
eight rooms, located at 
167 Courtland Street. 
The first year the family 
comprised Mrs. Carrie 
Frances Collins, Super- 
intendent; Miss Mary 
Anna Taggart and Miss 
Margaret Lucy Eckley, 
visiting Deaconesses, 
from the Chicago Train- 
ing School. This year 
the Deaconesses served 
St. Paul’s, Asbury, Hope 
Street and Tabernacle 
churches. Near the close of the year Miss Taggart’s health required 
her to choose another field of labor, and Mrs. Collins resigned as 
Superintendent. At the opening of the second year our members were 
reinforced by arrival from the Chicago Training School of Miss Mar- 
garet Etta Todd to serve as Superintendent, and Miss Blanche Leora 
Baker as visiting Deaconess. This year some service was rendered 
to each of the following churches, viz.: Mathewson Street, Chestnut 
Street, St. Paul’s, Tabernacle, Broadway, Cranston Street, Asbury, 
Hope Street and Trinity churches. To obtain the best results a Dea- 
coness should be assigned to but one church at a time, and that for a 
period of not less than one year. When establishing the work the 
Board of Managers deemed it wise to give to as many churches as 
possible a practical illustration of a Deaconess’s work; so, having but 
three Deaconesses, each was assigned a broad field of three churches, to 
serve as she best could, dividing her time among them. By this plan 
the work has grown in favor with our city Methodists, as is evidenced 
by the increased amounts pledged for the support of the Home. In 
November, 1896, our first class in kindergarten was formed, con- 
sisting of twenty-four little girls under twelve years of age gathered 
from the homes of the poor visited by the Deaconesses. Accom- 
panied by a piano, the children sing easy rhymes describing methods 
of work, while the hands are busy building fires, laying the table for 
dinner, making beds and performing many other domestic duties with 
miniature furniture. Such class work as this has been the means of 



THE DEACONESS HOME. 


XXXII 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


elevating - some homes. Almost any labor of love a Deaconess can 
render to one sick or in trouble belongs to the work of and is the 
pleasure of a Deaconess. Many testify to the lightening of their cares 
and the brightening of their homes through the visits of these Dea- 
coness, who do all “For Jesus’ Sake.” 



THE PROVIDENCE DEACONESSES. 

At the opening of the third year Miss Isa Dora Boardman came 
from the Chicago Training School as Deaconess Housekeeper to take 
the place of Miss Frances Borden Gardiner, resigned. The first of 
July, 1897, the Home was moved to a ten-room cottage (see cut) 
located at 85 Harrison Street. These premises have been leased for 
a term of three years. At the end of that period, we hope a home of 
our own will be at command through the generosity of one or 
more of our friends. Monday is visitors’ day, but the Home is always 
open to its friends. Donations of cash and supplies for the sick and 
poor are always needed and gratefully received. 

A BUSY DAY. 

Breakfast at 7 o’clock, then our family devotions. A few house- 
hold duties to be attended to, and in the meantime some gruel must 
be made for the dear old lady, who is so ill. The gruel is ready, and 
after a walk of a half a mile, the old lady’s room is reached, which is 
up two flights of stairs in an attic. She is able to sit up this morn- 
ing, but she must have a fire built, the ashes carried out, some water 
brought upstairs, her bed made, her room put to rights, her hair 
brushed and a visit to the grocery must be made to buy the needed 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XXXIII 


supplies for the day. Then, after a chapter from God’s Word, and a 
prayer that He would be with her and comfort her during the lonely 
hours that she must be alone, the deaconess wended her way back to 
the Home, and on the way she was planning in her own mind how 
much she would accomplish before the noon hour. But on her ar- 
rival at the Home, Mrs., A. was waiting to see her. Mrs. A. called 
in to get a dress and jacket for Mary, a pair of trousers and a cap for 
Johnnie, and a pair of shoes and a coat for her husband, and a “job” 
of work for herself. A half hour was spent in the “supply closet” and 
most of the needed articles found, and Mrs. A., with a grateful heart 
and laden with her bundles, said “Good morning.” 

The deaconess seated herself at the office desk and began to write, 
but not long, for the doorbell rang once more, and dear old Mrs. B. 
walked in and inquired for “my deaconess.” She was called from her 
writing to attend to the wants of Mrs. B., who had come in to make 
an exchange; a few days before she had gotten a waist from our 
‘‘supply closet” for her daughter, but she thought it was too gay, and 
wanted to get one that was more plain. Another visit to the supply 
closet was made, and a more sombre garment found, and Mrs. B. 
went on her way. 

That morning there had come by express from one of the Ep- 
worth Leagues on the district, a box of flowers. Immediately after 
dinner, laden with a basket of these lovely blossoms, the deaconess 
started for the hospital. Thirty-three calls were made there, leaving 
with each sufferer in the ward a bunch of flowers and a word of com- 
fort and cheer as best she could. From the hospital a call was made 
on a woman who had deeply interested the deaconess. She was a 
woman who was trying hard to live right, but she lived in a bad 
neighborhood, and her associations did not tend to help her in the 
direction of being and doing better. Her neighbors had the habit 
coming in and making a friendly call now and then, and bringing in a 
pail of beer just to make things a little more lively. The deaconess 
had a faint suspicion that afternoon that some of the neighbors had 
made Mrs. M. a friendly call, so she asked if she had not been drink- 
ing beer, and in an embarrassed way she acknowledged that she had 
taken “just a little.” Poor woman, she has made many an attempt 
to do what was right, but she lacks strength, is easily influenced, and 
her bad associates tempt her and she sometimes yields. The deacon- 
ess gave her a very plain talk along the line of temperance, and then 
they knelt down together in that wretched home and asked God to 
give her strength and to help her to keep from evil, and Mrs. M. 
promised she would do better, and the deaconess had faith in her that 
she would keep her promise. 


XXXIV 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


It was now 5.30 P. M. and time to return to the little Home, 
which never seemed sweeter, after seeing so much that was unpleasant 
and wretched. The afternoon had brought another box of flowers 
from a Junior League in Connecticut, and as they were so beautiful 
and fresh immediately there came into the mind of the deaconess five t 
dear old ladies, whom she called her “shut ins/’ and they must have 
some of these flowers. Supper was over and evening prayers in the 
little Home. The deaconess was somewhat weary in body, but the 
flowers ought to be taken out and prayer meeting must be attended. 
The five bouquets were delivered and a word of good cheer left. The 
prayer meeting was reached a little late, but all the more enjoyable 
for making those few last calls. 

BOARD OF MANAGERS, 1897-98. 

President, Henry A. Fifield, 78 America Street; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Frank H. Maynard, 420 Angell Street; Second Vice-President, 
Noel L. Anthony, Norwood Avenue; Treasurer, Mrs. Edward Shaw, 
2d., P. O. Box 201; Corresponding Secretary, Miss M. Ella Stewart, 
65 Pitman Street; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Wm. Jamison, 101 Com- 
stock Avenue; Managers, Mrs. C. E. Hancock, 239 Adelaide Avenue; 
Mrs. J. W. V. Rich, 375 Blackstone Street; Mrs. H. S. Lamson, 17 
Battey Street; Mrs. William W. Munroe, East Providence; Mrs. 
G. N. Bullock, 378 Carpenter Street; Mrs. M. E. Douglass, 135 Brook 
Street; Rev. E. C. Bass, D.D., 90 Harrison Street; Rev. M. S. Kauf- 
man, 20 Sackett Street; Rev. W. S. Mclntire, 288 Potter’s Avenue; 
Rev. A. J. Coultas, 113 Somerset Street; Rev. J. M. Taber, 31 Dart- 
mouth Avenue; George W. Amison, Olneyville; Charles L. Hazard, 
East Providence; Frederick A. Horton, 56 Doyle Avenue; Josiah L. 
Webster, 103 Parade Street. 


FALL RIVER DEACONESS HOME. 

By Rev. L. M. Flocken. 

In the Epistles of St. Paul a number of female helpers are men- 
tioned. In Rom. xvi, i, Phoebe is referred to as a ‘'deaconess” (R. V. 
Marg.). This has led many to think that an order of deaconesses ex- 
isted in the Apostolic Church, as there undoubtedly did a little later 



THE HOME. 

(see Pliny, Ep. ad Traj.). The Apostolical Constitutions prescribe 
their duties and give a form of ordination (Bk. viii, ch. xix, 20). 
Abundant evidence is found in the writings of the church Fathers 
that such an order flourishjed in the early centuries of our era. It was, 
however, abrogated in France by the Council of Orange, A. D. 441, 
and gradually disappeared from the Latin Church about the sixth 
century and from the Greek about the twelfth. 

Attempts at restoration were made by some of the Reformers. 
Deacons, both men and women, seem to have been recognized by the 
Puritans in the 16th century (see Neal, History of the Pur., vol. 1, 
ch. v, p. 140), but the first successful reorganization of the Dea- 
coness work was made by Pastor Fliedner, in 1835, at Kaiserwerth, 
Prussia. He established an infirmary to be served by Christian 
women devoting their time and faculties without pecuniary emoluments 
or worldly honors. The movement met with such success that it 
rapidly spread to other countries. 

The honor of originating this work in the M. E. Church belongs 
to Mrs. Lucy R. Meyer of Chicago, who has rightfully been styled the 



XXXVI 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


“Mother of the Deaconess Movement in Methodism.” Under her 
guiding hand the Chicago' Home and Training School was estab- 
lished, and from this beginning the movement has spread to almost 
every city in the union. 

The General Conference of 1888, held in New York City, officially 
recognized and adopted it as an organic part of the Church. The ‘ 
duties of the deaconess as defined ini the Church Discipline are: “To 
minister to the poor, care for the sick, provide for the orphan, comfort 
the 'sorrowing, seek the wandering, save the sinning.” No vow of 
perpetual service is exacted, she may relinquish her work at any time; 
her service is voluntary, but she is entitled to a suitable support. 

The introduction of this noble work 
into Fall River is due to Mr. J. D. 
Flint. Although many others have 
labored faithfully and contributed lib- 
erally, the Home must ever gratefully 
acknowledge him as its chief benefac- 
tor and founder. He had been favor- 
ably disposed toward the movement 
from its inception, but his first meeting 
with Mrs. Meyer was at the Ecumeni- 
cal Methodist Conference held in 
Washington. Her address deeply im- 
pressed him, and at its close he re- 
marked to her that he thought Fall 
River would some time have a 
Deaconess Home. 

For some time he employed Miss Emma Ross to do similar work 
as “city missionary.” Her reports greatly encouraged Mr. Flint, and 
he decided that a Deaconess Home in this city would be an excellent 
investment for the cause of our Master. He made known his purpose 
and plan to his pastor, Rev. A. J. Coultas, to whom much credit is due 
for giving form and direction to the movement. He called a meeting 
of the pastors and lay representatives of the various M. E. churches 
in the city on December 21, 1892. After due consideration the fol- 
lowing persons signed an agreement, associating themselves together 
with the intention of forming a corporation and applying for a charter: 

J. D. Flint, William S. Green, A. J. Coultas, John R. Butterworth, Job 
Gardner, John G. Gammons, John N. Wilde, Walter Ela, Warren. A. 
Luce, Frank S. Brooks, Louis M. Flocken, Irani N. Smith, Lafayette 
Nichols, A. J. Marble, Charles E. Case, T. F. Vickery, R. D. Dyson, 
Daniel Moore. 

The corporation was legally formed and a constitution adopted 



JOHN D. FLINT. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XXXVII 


January 20, 1893. It provides that any M. E. church in Fall River 
desiring may have at least two representatives in the membership of 
the corporation, which holds a meeting annually in June; and that 
there shall be a Board of Managers composed of seventeen members 
besides the officers, holding regular meetings in January, April, June, 
July and October. 

On June 22, 1893, M r - Flint donated dividend-paying mill stocks 
amounting to $10,000 to the corporation, to be held as a perpetual 
endowment. At a meeting held in January, 1894, the Benjamin 
Covel estate on Second Street was purchased at an expense of $8,800. 
About $1,600 was raised and expended in remodeling and repairs. 
Mr. Flint made a proposition that if the Board raise $1,000, he would 
see that the balance was paid. This was done, and on June 26, 1895, 
the note was liquidated and this magnificent estate, now valued at 



THE FALL RIVER DEACONESSES. 

Mrs. K. M. Cooper. Mary N. Adams. Mrs. Sadie R. Griffin. 

Stella M. Bounds. M. Emma Ross. 


$15,000, became the property of the Fall River Deaconess Home, 
without incumbrance. 

The services of Miss Mary N. Adams, Superintendent, and Miss 
Nellie Olsen, both of the Chicago training school, had been secured, 
as also M. Emma Ross of the Boston school, who began their work 
about the first of June, 1894. The Home was formally opened with a 
reception and public exercises June 27, the Rev. W. N. Brodbeck, 
D. D., of Boston, delivering the address. In the summer of 1895, 
Miss Florence A. Vaillancourt and Miss Grace Adams came to the 
Home, Miss Lulu I. Clifton taking the place of the latter in the fall. 


XXXVIII 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Mrs. Sadie R. Griffin took up the work in 1896, and Miss Stella M. 
Bounds and Mrs. K. M. Coopen in 1897. Some of the above have 
gone elsewhere, leaving at present a force of five whose names are 
given below. 

A Deaconess Aid Society was organized in the fall of 1894, which 
as its name indicates, assists in the support, furnishing and work of the 
Home in many ways. 

The Deaconess movement in this city, though yet in its infancy, 
is no longer an experiment, but an assured success. The Superin- 
tendent’s reports up to about January 1, 1897, show that 21,615 calls 
have been made, of which 1,563 were upon the sick; 1,980 garments 
have been given away; baskets of food and other articles of necessity 
and comfort to the number of 1,411 have been distributed; situations 
secured for forty-eight persons; religious meetings have been held in 
hospitals, almshouses, and homes; 1,465 hours have been spent in 
nursing the sick, and 4,920 hours spent at other work in the homes 
of the needy. Many children have been brought into the Sunday 
Schools, and neglected ones into our churches. Many touching inci- 
dents have been witnessed, and Christian and charitable services not 
reducible to statistics have been rendered by these devoted women. 
God is in the movement. May He raise up multitudes who shall 
“assist them in whatsoever business they have need of: for they have 
been succourers of many.” 

Present Deaconesses — Mary N. Adams, Superintendent; M. Emma 
Ross, Mrs. Sadie R. Griffin, Stella M. Bounds, Mrs. Kate M. Cooper. 

Present Board of Managers — John D. Flint, President; Job 
Gardner, Vice-President; I. N. Smith, Treasurer; Rev. L. M. Flocken, 
Secretary and Corporation Clerk. 

Rev. S. O. Benton, D. D., Rev. J. H. MacDonald, Rev. H. A. 
Ridgway, Rev. Alexander Anderson, Rev. E. ,W. Eldridge, John R. 
Butterworth, Chas. E. Case, Cora Hacking, Margaret Bury, Sarah 
E. Booth, Nancy Kershaw, Mary N. Adams, Mrs. R. N. Allen, Mrs. 
William Thorpe, Mrs. S. W. Gibbs, Mrs. George Whittaker, Mrs. 
E. F. Stafford. 


THE GREAT MARTHA’S VINEYARD REVIVAL OF 1853. 

By Rev. John B. Gould. 

In 1852 I was stationed at Edgartown. In 1853 we commenced a 
series of meetings, with remarkable results. We held services in the 
church one hundred nights in succession. No sermons were needed, 
for there were spiritual giants there. It seemed that old Edgartown 
and the whole island of Martha’s Vineyard were shaken by a mighty 
gale. A series of balls commenced at the same time. The first pro- 
ceeded a short time, and there being no interest they early adjourned, 
and that same night the leaders were at our altar. Their festivities 
were ended, and nearly all of them were soon converted. The aged 
and the young swarmed to the church every night. Through storm 
and fair the place was crowded. One of the most remarkable events 

I ever knew was the conversion of 
Freeman N. Blake, a professed in- 
fidel. He was principal of Dukes 
County Academy, and afterwards a 
lawyer and consul of the United States 
in Canada. He had once heard me 
preach on the new birth, and went out 
denouncing me and said he would 
never hear me again. One terribly 
stormy night he came in, sat a few 
minutes, and then rose and asked if he 
might speak. Being requested to go 
on, he said he did not believe in such 
things at all, but was open to convic- 
tion, and if we were right he was ter- 
ribly wrong. Unasked he immediately 
went forward, knelt and said, “Pray 
for me.” During the first prayer he fell prostrate, and seemingly stran- 
gled; he tore open his collar and I thought him dead. He was as rigid as 
if frozen. In a few moments his rigidness gave way, and being assisted 
to his feet he said, “I have learned the lesson of my life. I have 
seen the Savior on the cross dying for me, and He has saved me.” 
The whole audience were on their feet, having gathered about, as they 
supposed, the dying man. 

He wrote immediately to his brother and family in Cambridge, 
narrated his experience, and begged them to seek the Savior. They 
did so, and still live as Christians in Boston. This letter of four large 
square pages is now before me, and reads like Paul’s account of his 
conversion. He obtained that letter again, and sent it to me forty 
years after the event. 



REV. JOHN B. GOULD. 



XL 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


I was at his funeral, and his record to the last was that of one who 
had turned many to righteousness. 

This was but one of the many conversions as remarkable as any 
of which I have ever read. I have never known a more thrilling his- 
tory than that of these one hundred nights and the results that fol- 
lowed. The detailed account would fill a large volume. 

The first fruit of that revival still lives as an example of steadfast 
devotion and a lifelong helper in every interest of the society. She 
came into the church as a child would enter the father’s house, having 
no doubt of a welcome there, and calmly states that she is only waiting 
to enter the house above. She has ever been foremost in every good 
word and work. 

The sister of this devoted woman was a celebrated musician, and 
played the organ at the church for many years, also writing superior 
music. She became a sincere convert, and after a devoted life became 
the victim of a malady that required a difficult surgical operation. 
Just before starting for the hospital she said to a friend, “Let us sing 
one more hymn before I go,” and seated at the piano she sang with 
her friend, “O for a faith that will not shrink,” etc. In two' days she 
was in Heaven. No funeral in Edgartown ever gathered so large and so 
afflicted a congregation, and the choir which had been associated with 
her for years were overwhelmed with grief as they attempted to sing 
the hymn she sang just before her death on going to the hospital. 

One day at i o’clock I was requested to visit a man who 1 was in 
great agony. I found him on his knees, with his finger in the Bible at 
a chapter of Isaiah. He had been in that position from 7 to 1 
o’clock — a picture of despair. On being asked to rise he replied: 
“Never! I will never rise till God converts my soul.” In a few mo- 
ments he sprang to his feet, seized his hat and hurrying down the 
street entered every house and told what God had done for him. His 
wife was very angry and would not speak to him. But just a week 
later to an hour I was called to see her, and she passed through the 
same experience as her husband, and visited every house and related 
her wonderful experience. 

One of our retired sea captains had opened a place of entertain- 
ment for young men which was well patronized. One night he waited 
for them, but no one came. He stated that a voice seemed to say to 
him, “Put out your lights and go and seek the Savior.” He obeyed, 
and midway he turned back, with the thought that he had done a 
foolish thing. Three times this was repeated, till the lights were 
extinguished for the last time. He then hastened to the church and 
immediately went to the altar and sought mercy. Thus the work 
went on till all Edgartown seemed to have obeyed the heavenly call. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


XLI 


Most of the people and converts of those one hundred nights 
have passed away. Edgar Baylies, one of the noblest, still lives in the 
West. He was a model class leader. Three years ago, at a great age, 
he made his final visit to Edgartown and the Vineyard Camp Ground, 
and rehearsed the experiences of those days as the most remarkable of 
his long life. Almost yearly I live over the scene at the graves of the 
workers and converts of that far off time in the Edgartown Cemetery, 
where they wait the Resurrection. Jeremiah Pease, Jr., was First 
Lieutenant in that wonderful campaign, and I tarry there a moment 
to drop a tear upon his grave. 

“And what shall I say more, for the time would fail me to tell of 
Gideon and Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, of David also, 
and Samuel, and of the prophets who through faith subdued king- 
doms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, and out of weakness 
were made strong.” 


REV. T. J. EVERETT. 

Presiding Elder New Bedford District. 

Thomas J. Everett was born in Polk Co., Iowa, May 30, 1854. His parents were farmers and Methodists. 
The first of these facts contributed to his health of body, for in his youth he lived in the country, lhe second 
fact contributed to his health of soul, for he was reared in a home of piety and prayer. At the age of sixteen 
he entered Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, graduating at twenty. _ ..... 

He began preaching w'hen nineteen years old and w'as soon made a Junior preacher on a circuit having nine 
appointments. In the fall of 1874 he joined the Des Moines Conference, on trial, and was stationed at Central 
Church, Council Bluffs. At the end of one year he located in order to enter the School of Theology, Boston 
University. From this institution he graduated, in 1878, the youngest member of a class of twenty seven and 



having the honor of being one of the commencement speakers. The same spring he was married to Miss 
Sue F. Morrispn, Daughter of Rev. E. B. Morrison, of the North Ohio Conference. In April he joined 
the Providence — now the New England Southern— Conference. He served two full-term pastorates in the 
city of Providence and has been pastor of several other important churches of the Conference. At St. Paul’s, 
Providence, a debt of $2600 was liqudated and an extensive revival occurred. At Hope St., Providence, 
the vestries were renovated and refurnished ; a pipe organ placed in the auditorium and all indebtedness 
removed from the church including a debt of $700 on current expenses. At Hazardville, Conn, a large number 
of young people began the Christian life in the regular services, and the annual missionary collection reached 
the sum of £1000. In 1895 he was appointed Presiding ’ Elder of the New Bedford district which embraces 
66 pastoral charges. He was a member of the General Conference of 1896. 


THE YARMOUTH CAMP-MEETING. 

By Rev. T. J. Everett. 

The first camp-meeting on Cape Cod (probably the first in New 
England) was held in South Wellfleet, August, 1819. “The power 
of God was displayed among the people and glorious revivals in 
Provincetown and Eastham followed.” Some who attended out of 
curiosity were arrested by the Holy Spirit and went home deeply 
convicted. At Eastham, where up to this time no Methodist minister 
had been allowed to work, such interest was awakened and so many 
conversions resulted that the Wellfleet pastor was invited to preach 
and labor among the people. He reported at the next Conference 
an increase in the membership of his charge of 162, most of whom were 
Eastham converts. The Eastham church was the result of this 
awakening. 

The next year the camp-meeting was again held with like results. 
Wilbur Fiske was present at this meeting and after earnest seeking 
was “filled with the Spirit.” Rev. B. R. Hoyt wrote thus of the meet- 
ing a few days after its close: “Immediately after the tents were erected, 
the work began and continued to increase till the meeting closed. On 
the second day a solid flame of divine love seemed to run through 
the encampment. The number of converts on this occasion could not 
be ascertained.” 

The camp-meeting was continued in South Wellfleet the next 
two years. Then it was removed to Bound Brook Island, where it 
was held from 1823-1825. In 1826 the encampment was at Truro, 
“where thousands heard the preached word and dozens knelt to pray.” 

The camp-meeting was next held at Eastham, and annually for 
more than thirty years this “leafy temple” was the scene of remarkable 
services. Men of power preached and prayed. Many notable con- 
versions occurred. Here Father Taylor, Bartholomew Otheman, 
Thomas Peirce, Abraham Merrill, Lewis Bates, Jefferson Haskell, 
Frederick Upham and many others proclaimed the Gospel to the mul- 
titudes. 

In 1863 the location of the meeting was again changed. Many 
had come to the Eastham grounds on sailing vessels. The Old Colony 
Railroad was being built down the Cape and was in operation as far 
as Yarmouth. The people of Boston and vicinity who had attended 
the Eastham meeting in large numbers desired a location nearer and 
easier of access. 

In 1862 the Sandwich District Stewards’ Meeting took the matter 
into consideration. A meeting was called in the Yarmouth Methodist 
Episcopal Church on the 22d of December of that year, at which 
twenty-seven ministers and laymen were present, with Pardon T. 


2 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Kenney, Presiding Elder of the District, in the chair. The Sandwich 
District Camp-Meeting Association was organized for the “purpose 
of camp and other grove meetings in the town of Yarmouth.” 

The name was afterwards changed to “The Yarmouth Camp- 
meeting Association.” The first officers were: Pardon T. Kenney, 
President; Thomas Hilliard and Rufus T. Thatcher, Vice-Presidents; 
William H. Richards, Secretary, and Obed Nickerson, Treasurer. 
From that time the presidents of the association have been the pre- 
siding elders of the district. D. B. Lovell of Brockton served the 
association as Treasurer for twenty years, from 1876 to 1896. 

The original plot of ground for the camp-meeting was purchased 
at a cost of $600. Fifteen hundred dollars was expended in preparing 
it for the first meeting, which was held in August, 1863. In 1865 
six and one-half acres were added, and about 1870 another addition 
was purchased, making in all forty acres owned by the association. 
These grounds have been greatly improved and beautified from time 
to time. Various buildings have been erected, including the keeper’s 
house and Association building. This latter building contains lodging 
rooms, post-office, police headquarters, Association Hall, etc. Wells 
have been put down, supplying the encampment with drinking water 
of the best quality. A beautiful park has been laid out between the 
railroad and the encampment. A commodious wooden tabernacle, 
seating fifteen hundred, was built in 1890 at a cost of about $2,400. 
Altogether this camp ground is one of the most beautiful and well- 
appointed in New England. Some notable conversions have occurred 
upon these grounds and thousands of people continue to attend the 
services held here annually. The officers of the association at the 
present time are: 

President — T. J. Everett, New Bedford, Mass. 

Vice-Presidents — W. P. Buck, Provincetown, Mass. 

G. N. Mansell, Harwich, Mass. 

Secretary — Olin E. Snow, Provincetown, Mass. 

Treasurer and Agent — Isaiah Snow, Truro, Mass. 




INTERIOR VIEW YARMOUTH TABERNACLE. 




NEW BEDFORD DISTRICT LEAGUE. 

By Mrs. R. S. Douglas. 

In writing the history of such an organization, all must know 
that much that has made it a power, that has kept it effective, and 
created the influence that has reached beyond all of our thought 
already and will continue to be a power through all time, and even 
into eternity, must be unwritten. So this report will be like a frame- 
work, giving outlines only, while those who have been workers here 
will fill in the spaces with pleasant memories of faces, churches, and 
events. 

The first idea of this District League had birth in a gathering 
held in the Memorial M. E. Church, Plymouth, at which Leaguers 
from several neighboring churches were present. As a result of 
suggestions made at that meeting, Rev. Walter S. Ela, then P. E., 
called a meeting of delegates from the various Young People’s 
societies of the district at the Allen Street M. E. Church, New Bed- 
ford, June nth, 1890. There were present fifty-four delegates, rep- 
resenting twenty-three leagues, four junior leagues and five Young 
People’s societies, including in all 1,481 members. Here the District 
League was organized, its constitution formed, and its officers elected. 
Rev. H. C. Scripps was appointed president. 

The next convention was held October 21st, 1891, at Gralce 
Church, Taunton, when one hundred delegates, representing twenty- 
six leagues, were present. During the year the district lost one of its 
most interested and faithful workers. Mr. Richard S. Clark of Fall 
River, the Corresponding Secretary, and one of the first to conceive 
the idea of the District League, was suddenly called to present 
his life’s report above. It is the only death of an active district officer 
since the organizing of the League. 

From these beginnings the district work has been continued. 
Annual conventions have been held in Allen Street, County 
Street and Pleasant Street Churches, New Bedford; First and 
Grace Churches, Taunton; First Church, Fall River, and 
Memorial Church, Plymouth. Beside these sub-district gatherings 
have been beneficial to many churches and leagues. The District 
Presidents have been as follows: Rev. H. C. Scripps, Mr. Robert T. 
Raymond of New Bedford; Rev. William S. Davis (two years), Rev. 
B. F. Simon (two years) and Mr. H. L, Johnson of Plymouth. This 
organization, combining the leagues of the District, each teaching and 
receiving from the others, has been a power throughout the District. 
It has not only been a bond that has joined the several leagues to- 
gether, but it has united them to much of the connectional work of 
the denomination. The conventions have been practically helpful, 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


5 


and have been broad in the work represented by the speakers. 
Within our boundaries are two Deaconess Homes — one, the gift of 
Mr. John D. Flint, in Fall River, the other in Providence — from both 
of which the Deaconesses go forth to minister to all in need of their 
sympathy or care, but to the Epworth Leagues do they owe much of 
the help that enables them to carry on their work. While much 
loving assistance has been rendered to the Deaconess’ Home and 
Hospital in Boston, in no district in our Conference has the Epworth 
League Home in Boston had warmer friends. Other foreign and mis- 
sionary fields have been assisted by its existence, while local 
missionary work, growth of interest in literary culture, pure social 
intercourse, and above all the prayer meeting and the interest in sal- 
vation of those about us, have all received an impetus and power the 
results of w T hich only eternity can reveal. 

In 1892 this league issued a booklet called “What We Can Do. 
A Handbook for Epworth Leagues.” The first edition was of 1,500 
copies. Its helpfulness was so generally and unexpectedly appre- 
ciated that in 1893 an edition of 2,000 was published, which was fol- 
lowed in 1895 by a third edition of 4,000 copies. Each edition was 
revised and enlarged. Recognizing the unity of work and purpose 
manifested at Chattanooga by the leagues of Canada and of the M. E. 
Church, North and South, the committee placed on the cover of the 
third edition the badges of the different leagues, and in other ways 
re-adapted the book to the use of these three divisions of leaguers. 

It has been sold in over thirty states of our Union, in Canada, 
Bermuda, and Mexico, and has received universal commendation for 
its suggestions and practical helpfulness. 

There are now nfty-three senior leagues, with a membership of 
3,250, and seventeen junior leagues, with a membership of about 700, 
in our District. 

While the first excitement and enthusiasm of league work has 
passed, all must realize that to-day in the New Bedford District no 
one organization within the church is more helpful in its power of 
unifying the interests of the churches of the District, in bringing about 
a pleasant personal acquaintance amongst the young people, of awaken- 
ing their desires for helpfulness to all good causes than our New Bed- 
ford District League. 



EDUCATORS FORMERLY MEMBERS OF OUR 


CONFERENCE. 


Daniel Dorchester. 
Pres. Geo. E. Reed. 
Pres. B. W. Hutchinson 


Prof. L. T. Townsend. 
Ex-Pres. C. H. Payne. 
Prof. Samuel F. Upham 


Pres. F. J. Wagner. 

Pres. B. P. Raymond. 
Prof. Wilbur F. Steele. 






M. E. CHURCH, ACUSHNET, MASS. 

One of the oldest Methodist churches in the District, and the old- 
est in Bristol County is that in Acushnet village. Its founders were 
members of the Congregational Society near by. They were attracted 
by the earnestness of manner and spiritual zeal of Methodist preachers 

who preached in this vicinity in at- 
tics and in great kitchens at the 
very opening of the century. This 
soon led them to desire a Meth- 
odist society, and on the 2d day of 
Aug. 1807, “The Methodist Church 
of Fairhaven and New Bedford” 
was organized. The leading lay- 
man in this movement was John 
Hawes, a resident of the place and 
a master mariner. 

He was led to a Godly life by a 
Methodist minister in a little 
chapel in a narrow lane, London. 

The minister whom he invited to 
come here to lead the people up to 
this organization was Epaphras 
Kibby, who was the first stationed 
minister to the society. 

THE acushnet church. The original members were John 

Hawes, Benj. Dillingham, Free- 
born Nye, Dan’l Summerton, Hannah Summerton, Jedidah Has- 
kell, Meribah Spooner, Nancy Danforth. When Mr. Kibby closed 
his labors here in 1809 there were 64 members. 

Captain Hawes gave the lot 
for the first meeting-house, 
where the present one stands. 

Edward Dillingham, one of 
the early members, bequeathed 
his home to the church for a 
parsonage, which has been oc- 
cupied by the ministers for 
many decades, but is just now 
being replaced by a handsome 
new parsonage. 

The present church edifice THB acushnet parsonage. 
was dedicated during the pas- This Represents it Unfinished, 

torate of Richard Donkersly, March 9, 1854. 




8 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


All the Methodist churches of the southern tier of towns in Bris- 
tol County were offsprings of this society. The original members of 
those churches with filial affection called this the “mother church.” 

Epaphras Kibby, to the first members, was the greatest pastor 
and indeed under his care the church had its greatest growth and^ 
proved its right to exist and its ability to bring forth bountiful fruits. 

No close record is kept of Edward T. Taylor’s work (“Father 
Taylor,” afterwards of Boston Bethel), but no doubt even in these, his 
youthful years, he did a good work for God. 



REV. H. H. CRITCHLOW. MRS. H. H. CRITCHLOW. 


J. A. M. Chapman and W. T. Worth, who have since become 
metropolitan preachers and leaders in the Master’s work, each began 
their pastoral labors here with blessed results. 

From 1873 to 1876 Chas. E. Walker was in charge. Perhaps the 
greatest ingathering of souls in the church’s history was in these 
years. Many who still toil faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard date their 
Christian life from that time. 

In October, 1877, C. L. Goodell began his ministerial labors as a 
supply. His work, as well as that of his successors, has been uni- 
formly succesful in bringing the community nearer the perfect life. 

During the pastorate of E. B. Gurney, the audience room 
was renovated and frescoed, a new pulpit suit was placed in the church 
and the floor was recarpeted, etc., at an expense of about $600, all of 
which was provided for before the re-opening. 

Of those who still abide among us as beloved superannuates, Rev. 
Samuel Fox, Rev. B. K. Bosworth and Rev. E. A. Lyon are held in 
grateful remembrance for their efficient and faithful labors. Rev. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


9 

N. W. Jordan, so early called to be with God, was loved by all for his 
sweet ministry of comfort. 

The pastors of later years who wrought nobly and strengthened 
as well as extended the walls of Zion, are still waging a good warfare 
and carrying the banners of Christ on to* victory. Among this num- 
ber is the Compiler and Editor of this Souvenir History. The people 
of this church remember with grateful hearts the years of successful 
labor with him, and the prosperity in all lines of church work during 
his pastorate with them. 

During the present pastorate, Mr. Lemuel Dillingham and Mrs. 



JNO. R. THOMPSON, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 



WM. A. GURNEY, 
Epwonth League President. 


Olive Washburn have been called home at goodly age. Many of the 
older members are still blessing the world. Mrs. Alice Stacy has 


been a member seventy-one years. 

The new parsonage, of which a cut appears, has been looked for- 
ward to for many days, and now will be an honor to the society. 

Rev. E. A. Lyon found his present wife here. This church is 
proud to name among her spiritual children, Rev W. I. Ward, an 
honored member of our Conference, who' was converted here when 


only a boy and licensed to preach by recommendation from this church 


in March, 1875. 


PASTORS. 


1806-08. Epaphras Kibby 

1809. Nehemiah Coye 

1810. Levi Walker 
1812-16. Nehemiah Coye 

(Located and supplied.) 

1817- 18. Benj. R. Hoyt 

1818- 20. Shipley W. Wilson 


1821-22. Solomon Sias (founder 
of Zion’s Herald) 

1823. Edward T. Taylor 
(Father Taylor) 

1824. Erastus Otis 

1825. Leonard Bennett 

1826. LaRoy Sunderland 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


10 


1827. Leonard B. Griffin 

1828. Robert Easterbrooks 

1829. Elias C. Scott 

1830. Jas. Porter 



HON. FRANKLIN HOWLAND. 

1831. Sam’l Drake 

1832. William Baxter 

1833. O. Sperry 

1 834-35. Thomas Ely 

1836. D. H. Bannister 

1837. Franklin Fisk 

1838. Onesiphorus Robbins 
1839-40. Lemuel Harlow 

A local supply. 

1841. Otis Wilder 
1842-43. Jos. Macreading 

1844. Geo. Winchester 

1845. William Cone 
1846 Hebron Vincent 

Remained but a few weeks. 


1846. Dan’l Webb 

1847. Randall Mitchell 
1848 49. Geo. W. Wooding 

1850. Jas. B. Weeks 

1851. Nathan Paine 
3:852-53. Richard Donkersly 

1854. J. A. M. Chapman 

1855. E. Franklin Hinks 

1856. Philip Crandon 

1857. A. Latham 
3858-59. B. L. Sayer 
1860-61. W. T. Worth 
1862-63. Samuel Fox 
1864 Israel Washburn 

Died during year. 

1864. Thos. Ely 
1865-66. E. H. Hatfield 
1867-68. Geo. W. Wooding 
1869. B. K. Bosworth 
1870-72. E. A. Lyon 
1873-75. Chas. E. Walker 
1876. E. H. Hatfield 
1877 — Jos. E. Sears 
Resigned during year. 

1 877 - 79 . C. L. Goodell 
1880-81. Geo. M. Hamlen 
1882. N. W. Jordan 
1883-85. Edward Williams 
1886-87. Chas. S. Davis 
1888 — F. A. Crafts 
Died during year. 
1888-89. R. M. Wilkins 
1890-92. E. B. Gurney 
3893-94. Rennetts C. Miller 
1895. O. A. Farley 
1896 — H. H. Critchlow 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — J. R. Allen, Rev. E. A. Lyon, M. S. Douglass, G. M. 
Nichols, Jno. A. Russell, G. B. Borden, Mrs. Franklyn Howland, 
W. A. Gurney. 

Stezvards — J. R. Allen, G. M. Nichols, M. S. Douglass, Chas. 
Trull, J. R. Thompson, Jr., G. B. Borden, Mrs. G. B. Borden, Mrs. 
Pamelia Allen, Alexander Houston, Mrs. Lydia Jenney, Mrs. E. A. 
Lyon, Franklyn Howland, Caroline S. Cushman (R. S.). 

Epzvorth League — President, W. A. Gurney; First Vice-President, 
Jennie Gardner; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Job Haskins; Third 
Vice-President, Mrs. Emma H. Howland; Fourth Vice-President, 
Emma Poulson; Sec., Lizzie Andrews; Treas., Alberta Darling. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Jno. R. Thompson, Jr.; Assist- 
ant Superintendent, W. A. Gurney; Secretary, Thos. O. Hathaway; 
Librarian, May Hathaway. 


M. E. CHURCH, BARNSTABLE, MASS. 

By Miss Ellen F. Crocker. 

This old church was organized very early in the present century, 
probably in 1813, by Rev. Aaron Lummis. The house of worship 
was built upon the town’s land at the western limit of the old East 

Parish, upon a hill, opposite the farmhouse of William Crocker. It 

was the only Methodist church 
in that vicinity, and people 

came from the adjoining villages 
of West Barnstable, Cotuit, 
Marston’s Mills, Centreville, 

Hyannis and Barnstable town. 
In those days people were in the 
habit of going to church; in- 
deed, the male population, was 
liable to a fine if they did not 
attend church twice during the 
year, consequently the pews 
were usually filled. As more 
people attended from Barn- 
stable town than the other vil- 
lages it was finally deemed ad- 
visable to move the church. 

In 1837 Loring Crocker, 
William Crocker, Elijah Lor- 
ing, and John Bassett of Barn- 
stable and Joseph Hoi way of 
Sandwich, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society, purchased of 
Lot and Rebecca Hinckley a piece of land eighty-four feet square 
about a mile east of its first site, and the old church was sawn in halves 
and removed to its present location. 

Here the society continued to flourish until about 1850, when a 
religious excitement broke out among the members, which ran into 
fanaticism. Shoutings and “religious exercises” were common in the 
church and some would pray, sing and shout in the streets or wherever 
they happened to be. One woman proclaimed herself the Messiah, 
and claimed the power of conferring the Holy Ghost. Finally, some 
were arrested for disturbing the peace, and two lodged in jail, but 
were soon bailed out, and a trial was held in a large barn, as the 
Court House was being built, but not finished. This put an end to 
the disturbances, but it was a blow from which the church never re- 
covered. A little later, when the wave of modern Spiritualism came 



THE BARNSTABLE CHURCH. 


12 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


this way, those who had come out from the church embraced that 
doctrine and the church was again weakened. 

The records of the church previous to about 1870 have been lost; 
since then this church has been incorporated with the Yarmouthport 
Society, one pastor doing the work for the two societies until the 
Yarmouthport Society died out, about 1880. After that the Barn- 
stable Society struggled along alone, and uniting a part of the time 
with the society at Centreville. 

Then, as the years went on, the fathers and mothers in Israel 
sought the Promised Land,, and there were none to fill their places; 
thus the life of the church gradually went out. 

Many preachers and lecturers have said that they found nowhere 
more intelligent or appreciative audiences than upon Cape Cod. 
After other churches were established at Marston’s Mills, Osterville 
and Centreville, the pastorate at Barnstable still covered a large 
territory. But yet it reduced the Barnstable parish. Barnstable was 
once an important seaport with large fishing interests. But things 
have changed here, as in other places on Cape Cod. As the place has 
no large business or manufacturing interests its young people have 
gradually drifted to the cities, and the church suffered accordingly. 
Many of the brightest and most intelligent business and professional 
men have gone from Barnstable to the cities. It has been this fact 
of a loss of the young people here that has made the work of the 
church so discouraging during the past twenty-five years and caused 
it to be closed in 1894. 

How strong or far reaching its influence has been no one can tell 
until the deeds of men shall be made known. 


PASTORS. 


1818-19. 

Benjamin Hazleton 

1820 

Isaac Jennison 

1821 

E. T. Taylor and 
Thomas Smith 

1823 

Lewis Bates and Geo 
Weeks 

1824 

Lewis Bates and J. M. 
Maffet 

1825 

Hezekiah Thatcher 

1826 

H. Thatcher and Chas. 
G. Chase 

1827 

Enoch Bradley 

1828 

Warren Wilbur 

1829 

H. Bronson and S. 
Heath 

1830 

H. Bronson and C. 
Noble 


1831-32. 

F. Upham and J. B. 
Brown 

1833 

A. Holway 

1834 

W. Ramsdell and B. 
M. Walker 

1835 

J. Steele and L. K. 
Bannister 

1836. 

J. Steele and H. H. 
Smith 

1837 

E. Otis 

1838 

Josiah Litch 

1839 

Henry H. Smith 

1840^ 

Eliphlet Jackson 

1841 

J. W. Chase and W. S, 
Campbell 

1842-43. 

George W. Stearns 

1843 

G. H. Winchester 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


!3 


1844 

1845 

1846 

1847 

1848 
1849-50. 
1851-S2. 
I853-54- 
1855 
1856-61. 
1862-66. 

1867 

1868 

1869 

1869-71. 


D. Stebbins 

E. A. Lyon 
Wm. Richards 
Henry Mayo 
James M. Worcester 
G. W. Stearns 
Edward B. Hinckley 
James B. Weeks 
Joseph Marsh 
Daniel Webb 

Seth B. Chase 
Caleb S. Sanford 
S. Y. Wallace 
S. W. Coggeshall (six 
months) 

N. B. Fisk (six mos.) 


1871 V. W. Mattoon 
1873-74. Silas Sprowls 
1875-78. Students from Boston 
University 
1879-80. T. B. Gurney 
1881-82. C. F. Sharpe 
1883-85. Philo Hawks 

1886 H. N. Donnell 

1887 Students from Boston 

University 

1888 E. F. Newell 

1889 George Bernreuter 

1890 R. S. Moore 

1891 J. F. Prior 

1892 R. C. Miller 
!893 — -- J. S. Meracle 


M. E. CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER, MASS. 



The origin of the First M. E. Church of Bridgewater, Mass., is 
an illustration of the living power and divine principle of growth 
which inheres in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and which has 
marked the progress of His Kingdom from the beginning to the pres- 
ent time. Like the use and 
spread of that world-wide polity 
of which it forms a part, this 
church owes its birth to the in- 
spiration and zeal enkindled by 
a genuine conversion. 

While visiting at Raynham, 
Mass., Miss Abbie F. Lawrence, 
now Mrs. F. C. Gammons, was 
converted in a revival meeting 
conducted by Rev. W. F. Steele. 

She immediately returned to 
her home in Bridgewater filled 
with a desire to have Methodist 
meetings started there, and on 
Tuesday, April 14, 1874, she 
began to solicit subscriptions 
for that purpose. Going from 
THE BRIDGEWATER church. house to house telling the story 

of her conversion and receiving 
the pledges of the people for the amounts they were willing to con- 
tribute, she obtained the sum of four hundred and eighty-one dollars. 


14 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Having now secured a basis for the support of preaching, the people 
at once proceeded to engage a “supply.” 

The first pastor was Rev. George H. Baker, a student in the 
School of Theology of Boston University. He came to Bridgewater 

on Saturday, May 2, 1874. In the 
meantime the old Swedenborgian 
church had been rented, and in that 
place, at half past ten A. M., on Sun- 
day, May 3d, he preached his first ser- 
mon from the words found in John xii, 
21: “We would see Jesus.” 

It was found that there were a num- 
ber of persons interested in the move- 
ment who held church letters from 
places whence they had removed to 
Bridgewater, but who, in the absence 
of Methodist services, had attended the 
services of other churches. These were 
now formed into a “class” and the so- 
ciety or church was duly constituted. 
The pastor led the class for the first 
few months, but in February of the year 1875, Ferdinand C. Gam- 
mons was appointed to that office. Three of the original members, 
F. C. Gammons, Mrs. Abbie Lawrence Gammons (nee Abbie F. 
Lawrence), and Mahala C. Harriman, still remain earnest workers in 
the church. 

Under the earnest and abundant labors of Rev. G. H. Baker, a 
Sunday School was organized and the society passed the first months 
of its life with the hopefulness and glow of youthful enthusiasm. 
During the succeeding years the work of the church has been carried 
on with varying success. Quite a large number of names has been 
added to the membership, but death and removals have kept the list 
comparatively small. 

During the pastorate of George W. Coon, the Swedenborgian 
church was purchased by the society for the sum of $900, and the deed 
was received May 12, 1879. A board of trustees was elected and 
organized as a corporation June 12, 1879. I n March, 1890, Mrs. 
Cordelia B. Jones, an honored member of the church, died, leaving by 
her last will $2,000 to the trustees of our Conference to be held in 
trust for the benefit of this church, the interest thereon to be paid 
annually to the trustees. The entire amount has been invested here 
and a parsonage property and a commodious double house, each con- 
taining ten large rooms, are the results. Hence the church of this 



REV. R. C. GROSE, Pastor. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


15 


place has practically the use of both principal and interest as long as it 
shall continue to exist, and Mrs. Jones will ever be held in grateful 
remembrance for her generous liberality. 

In 1880 extensive repairs were made on the church building 
amounting to $600, Rev. W. F. Farrington, the pastor at the time, 
doing much toward accomplishing the desired end. 

In 1894 under the successful pas- 
torate of Rev. Luther E. Lovejoy 
the church building was com- 
pletely remodeled at a cost of over 
$1,600, making it a beautiful and 
serviceable place of worship. It is 
very apparent that the church has 
made substantial and permanent 
growth. Its hold upon the town 
has been constantly increasing and 
in the near future it is hoped and 
expected that this will be one of 
the strong appointments of the 
Conference. 


1874. 

George H. Baker 

PASTORS. 

1886. 

J. A. Rood 

1875- 

J. R. Wood 

1887. 

G. E. Dunbar 

1875- 

W. G. Wilson 

1888. 

R. J. Kellogg 

1876-77. 

T. J. Everett 

1889. 

J. N. Geisler 

1878. 

C. H. Morgan 

1890. 

G. Bernreuter 

1879. 

G. W. Coon 

1891. 

R. E. Smith 

1879-80. 

W. F. Farrington 

1892-94. 

L. E. Lovejoy 

1881-82. 

J. B. Hingeley 

1895- 

J. F. Porter 

1883. 

W. A. Wright 

1896 — 

R. C. Grose 

1884-85. 

E. S. Fletcher 




Sunday School — A. F. Sprague, Superintendent; Herman Gam- 
mons, Secretary and Treasurer. 

Epworth League — Professor A. Osuna, President; Agnes Deering, 
Secretary. 



THE BRIDGEWATER PARSONAGE. 




M. E. CHURCH, BRYANTVILLE, MASS. 

On January 7, 1825, the Rev. B. Otheman, then stationed at the 
Duxbury M. E. Church, was invited to preach in this vicinity. Much 
interest and seriousness being apparent among the people, Mr. 
Otheman engaged Rev. Robert Gould, a local preacher, to go to Pem- 


broke. This brought the formation of a Methodist class about 
February 9, 1825, and the stationing in this place of Rev. William R. 
Stone, under the direction of the presiding elder. In 1826, the church 
appears in the Conference minutes by the name of Pembroke. The 
labors of the Rev. William Ramsdell were much blessed, and though 
the church was kept in an unsettled state through many of the 
pastors leaving after but a short stay, it enjoyed much prosperity and 
frequently extensive revivals occurred. 

During the years 1840-44 the church suffered much through local 
dissatisfaction on account of the Episcopacy of the Church and the 
meeting-house was closed from 
regular preaching services. But 
on petitioning the Conference 
for a minister the name of 
Pembroke again appeared on 
the minutes of the Conference 
and thus the work went on. In 
the years 1857-58, under the 
leadership of G. S. Alexander, 
quite an extensive revival took 
place. During the years 1862- 
63 a member of the East 
Maine Conference, Rev. J. A. 


THE BRYANTVILLE CHURCH. 


THE BRYANTVILLE PARSONAGE. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1 7 


Steele, became pastor. This was a trying time for the church, as a 
few of the most earnest workers passed to that bourne from which no 
traveler returns, and others filled with patriotism enlisted in the army 
to fight for their country. 

Again the church suffered because of no pastor being duly ap- 
pointed by Conference, though there was preaching occasionally. 
After a short period the Conference again took up the charge and 
interest on all lines of Christian work was resumed with Charles N. 
Hinckley as pastor, and thus the work went on under the various 



REV. J. o. RUTTER, Pastor. MRS. J. O. RUTTER. 


pastors, sometimes with an increased revival interest, sometimes at 
very low ebb, but always with a faithful pious few standing firm and 
true. 

The society has been known for some years back as the Bryant- 
ville M. E. Church and is pleasantly situated in the town of Pembroke, 
Plymouth County. Some years ago a pleasant parsonage, with 
adjacent grounds, was left to the society by Mr. Damon, deceased. 
About four years ago an Epworth League was organized by Rev. 
R. E. Smith, and is in fair working order. There is also a Ladies’ Aid 
Society in connection with the church. During the past year the 
society underwent a severe trial through the death of their beloved 
pastor, Rev. C. P. Flanders, February, 1897, during the third year of 
his pastorate. 

During the past year the parsonage has been almost remodeled 
and thoroughly renovated. The society now enjoys a very pleasant 
place for worship. 

Many of the pastors have enjoyed blessed revivals. 


i8 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


PASTORS. 


1826-28. W. R. Stone. 

1829 A. Loomis and A. 
Joselyn. 

1 830-31. William Ramsdell. 
1832 J. Barnes and B. King 



HERMAN BEAL. 
Epworth League President. 

1833 J. Bailey 

I834-3S- E. C. Scott. 
1841-42. D. Stebbins. 

1845 Lewis Bates 

1846 J. French 

1847 J. D. King 

1848 J. French 


1849 

1850-51. 

1852. 

1853 

1854 

I856-57- 

1858 

1859 

l860-6l. 

1862-63. 

I864-66. 

1867 

I868-69. 

1870 

1871-72. 

1873 

1874 
1875 - 76 . 
t8 77 
1878-79. 
1880-81. 

1882 

1883 
1883-84. 
1885-86. 
1887-88. 

1889 

1890 
1891. 
1892-93. 
1894-96. 
1897— 


A Adams 
J. C. Fifield 
G. H. Winchester 
E. Blake 
J. B. Washburn 
G. S. Alexander 
J. B. Weeks 
Tosiah Higgins 
N. P. Selee 
J. A. Steele 
C. N. Hinckley 
Franklin Sears 

E. S. Fletcher 
Philip Crandon 
W. F. Farrington 
J. W. Malcolm 
W. B. Heath 

N. W. Chase 
J. E. Corley 
J. B. Washburn 
W. I. Ward 
S. F. Harriman 
A. L. Hoyt 
J. F. Cooper 
V. W. Mattoon 
J. S. Thomas 

F. H. Ellis 

F. D. Sargent 
F. D. Fisher 
R. E. Smith 
C. P. Flanders 
J. O. Rutter 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

OFFICERS. 

Trustees — S. T. Niles, H. H. Foster, H. W. Foster, John Foster, 
Herman Beal, Dr. O. W. Charles, E. T. Clark. 

Stezvards — S. T. Niles, Mrs. E. A. Perry, Herman Beal, Deborah 
S. Howard, Julia S. Howard, Lawrence Reed, Deborah Joslyn, Luther 
Shurtleff, H. B. MacLaughlin, Maria Howland, 

Sunday School — Rev. J. O. Rutter, Superintendent; Mrs. Helen 
Beal, Assistant Superintendent; Herman Beal, Secretary and Treas- 
urer; George E. Clark, Librarian; Abbie Gorham, Assistant Librarian. 

Teachers — G. Kilbreth, Mrs. P. S. Damon, Mrs. Annie Rutter, 
L. W. Reed, Mrs. Helen Beal, Mrs. M. A. Clark. 

District Steward — S. T. Niles. 

Class Leader — S. T. Niles. 

Epworth League — Herman Beal, President; Lawrence Reed, 
First Vice-President; Mrs. H. Pratt, Second Vice-President; Mrs. H. 
Beale, Secretary and Treasurer. 



M. E. CHURCH, BOURNE, MASS. 

The history of this village reaches far into the past. As early as 
1622 this place was visited by Gov. Bradford, and five years later, 
when it was known as Monument (a corruption of the Indian name 
Manomet), a trading-house was built by the people of Plymouth be- 



THE BOURNE CHURCH. 

side the river which flows back of the church. The location was so 
favorable for its intended uses that much business was done with the 
Indians, and more especially with the people of New Amsterdam. Pos- 
sibly because of these early relations, and partly because this stands 
as the gateway of Cape Cod, Jesse Lee preached here (1791) a little 
more than two years after his first sermon in New England. His mes- 
sage was gladly received by some steadfast persons, and, three years 
later, when Joshua Hall was appointed to Cape Cod and stationed in 
this town, a class of thirteen members was formed whose descendants 
in large part constitute the church of the present day. 

But it was a time of most intense opposition. The modern sym- 
pathy between Christians of dif- 
ferent denominations was not 
yet in vogue; the established 
church was strong and pos- 
sessed of all the prestige which 
comes from vested rights and 
an undoubted social standing. 

Theologically and in other re- 
spects a Methodist minister was 
an Ishmaelite, and to ostracize 
him and his followers consti- 
tuted an unquestioned proof of 
piety. So it came about that 
the first class-leader, John 



THE BOURNE PARSONAGE. 




20 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Perry, had his cow sold at auction to pay the parish tax, and 
many others suffered scarcely less. But Methodism slowly won its 
way and, since the obstructionists were good people, they finally 
ceased to persecute. This process continued, and, some years since* 
when the parish church had been struck by lightning and burned it 
was felt that our society met so well the spiritual demand that the Con- 
gregationalists decided to leave the field to their former rivals and, in 
-a most fraternal spirit, help them to cultivate it. 

The first church was erected in 1831, and will ever be a monument 



REV. R. E. SCHUH. MRS. R. E. SCHUH. 


to Capt. Ellis M. Swift. At a time when but $20 was subscribed, he 
bought the lumber and shipped it from Maine in his own vessel; he 
hired the workmen and paid all bills and trusted to the future for re- 
imbursement. The bulding was repaired in 1844 and 1845, and en- 
larged in 1883 at a cost of $2500. 

In 1891, during the pastorate of C. S. Davis, a commodious sum- 
mer chapel, costing $3300, was built at Monument Beach, in the south 
neighborhood. 

In its long history this society has owned but two parsonages. The 
first fell into decay and was sold. A syndicate then bought a house 
and leased it to the pastor at a low figure. As this arrangement did 
not prove satisfactory, in 1869 the present parsonage was purchased, 
and by numerous additions and improvements has been made a very 
roomy and comfortable home. 

There have been revivals at various times. Altogether the church 
has shown a remarkable vitality, and the centennial celebration, in 
October, 1894, called attention anew to God’s kindly leading. Of self- 
sacrificing men and women there have been many whose names it 
would be a pleasure to recall. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


21 


PASTORS. 


The list of pastors is a long and in many respects a notable one. 


1794. 

Joshua Hall 

1804. 

Joshua Snelling 

1795-96. 

Joseph Srielling 

1805. 

Moses Currier 

1798 . 

Epaphras Kibby 

1806. 

Erastus Otis and Na- 

1799. 

Daniel Webb and 


thaniel Elder 

1800-01. 

1802-03. 

Reuben Jones 

1807. 

Thomas Asbury 

Joshua Soule (after- 
wards Bishop) 

David Bachelor 

1808. 

Joseph Snelling and 
Joseph Merrill 


This was Joseph Snelling’s third pastoral term here; probably be- 
cause he had married his wife from 1 this place. 




ABRAM F. SWIFT, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


C. H. PHINNEY, 
Epworth League President. 


1809. 

Joseph Snelling and 

1821. 


Benjamin Lombard 


1810. 

Stephen Baley 

1822. 

1811-12. 

Aaron Lummis 

1823. 

1813. 

Stephen Baley 

1824. 

1814. 

William Frost and 1825. 


Thomas Pierce 


1815. 

John W. Handy and 

1826-27. 


Richard Emory 

1828. 

1816. 

Moses Fifield 


1817-19. 

Benjamin Hezelton 

1829-30. 

1820. 

Edward T. Taylor 



Edward T. Taylor and 
Benjamin Brown 
Frederick Upham 
Aaron D. Sargent 
Jonathan May hew 
Erastus Otis and John 
Hutchinson 
Frederick Upham 
Enoch Bradley and Na- 
than Spaulding 
Frederick Upham 


Stationed here the third time, perhaps because he had married 
his wife here. The Rev. S. F. Upham was not born here, but was 
Brought here when a small child, and his mother’s home is still 
.•standing. 


22 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 



1856-58. 

1859. 

l860-6l. 

1862-63. 


MRS. W. V. MORRISON. 


1864. 

1865-66. 

1867-69. 

187O-7I. 

1872-74. 

1875-76. 


1835-6. 

Philip Crandon 

(also 1877. 


serving as village 1878-79. 


schoolmaster) 

1880-82. 

1837- 

Abraham Holway 

1883-85. 

1838. 

Joseph Brown 

1886-88. 

1839- 

N. Mayo 

1889-90. 

1840-41. 

Joseph Marsh 

1891-92. 

1842. 

Nathan Paine 

1893-95- 

1843- 

Anthony Palmer 

1896 — 


1831-32. Joel Steele, Lewis Jan- 1844. 

son, Joseph Marsh 1845. 

and C. C. Noble 1846-42. 

1833. J- J- Bliss and Josiah 1848. 

Litch 1849-50. 

1834. Joseph Barstow 1851. 

1852. 

1853- 

1854- 

1855- 


G. W. Brewster 
H eman Perry 
N. Goodrich 
William H. Richards 

D. H. Swinerton 
Joseph Macreading 
S. Stebbings 
John B. Hunt. 

E. B. Hinckley 

E. S. Stanley for a few 
months, then Lemuel 
Harlow 
Franklin Sears 
J. B. Washburn 
George H. Winchester 
Asa U. Swinerton. He 
died during the year, 
and his term by vari- 
ous supplies. 

G. A. Silversteine 
John B. Husted 
Philo Hawkes 
C. N. Hinckley 
E. S. Fletcher 
J. H. Humphrey 
E. J. Ayres 
A. L. Dearing 
C. N. Hinckley 
R. Burn 
J. G. Gammons 
J. Q. Adams 
C. S. Davis 
N. C. Alger 
R. E. Schuh 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — A. R. Eldridge, President; E. H. Tobey, A. F. Swift, 
J. L. Bourne, P. F. Butler, C. H. Phinney, O. R. Swift, M. C. Water- 
house. 

Stewards — E. H. Tobey (R. S.), A. F. Swift, J. L. Bourne, P. F. 
Butler, C. H. Phinney, H. E. Perry, William E. Perry, Reuben Bur- 
gess, William A. Gidley, Clarence Whipple, John B. Phinney, W. W. 
Phinney, H. C. Phinney. 

Epzvorth League — President, C. H. Phinney; First Vice- President, 
J. L. Bourne; Second Vice-President, Mrs. C. H. Phinney; Secretary- 
Treasurer, Miss Alice Bourne. 


M. E. CHURCH, BERKELEY, MASS. 

By E. H. Allen. 

The Trinitarian Congregational Society in Berkeley was organ- 
ized March i, 1848. Rev. L. R. Eastman, their first pastor, com- 
menced service the first Sabbath in April, 1848, and left the last 
Sabbath in March, 1856. Rev. James A. Roberts commenced his 

pastorate the first Sabbath in April, 
1856, and left off the last Sabbath 
in September, 1872, to “rest,” as he 
said; and died the following Novem- 
ber in his eighty-fourth year. Rev. 
G. W. Wright was employed as a 
supply and commenced the first 
Sabbath in October, 1872, and 
continued until March 5, 1873, at 
which time the First Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Berkeley was 
organized. In 1875 a very pleasant 
and commodious building was 
erected at an expense of $7,500 
for the First Methodist Church in 
Berkeley. 

The following is quoted from the first records: “The following 
named persons constitute the official board of the First Methodist- 
Episcopal church in the town of Berkeley, organized on Wednesday, 
March 5, 1873, at the now Methodist-Episcopal chapel in the afore- 
said Berkeley, viz., A. B. Crane, William Babbitt, P. F. Fletcher, 
Isaac Seymour, Barnard Norcutt, S. H. Cudworth, Henry W. Clark, 
Benjamin Luther, F. H. Coombs, R. B. Eaton, B. F. Cheney and 
D. S- Briggs. Stewards — A. B. Crane, Philip H. Fletcher, D. S. 
Briggs, Benjamin Luther, William Babbitt, Benjamin F. Cheney, 
R. B. Eaton, F. H. Coombs, Isaac Seymour (R. S.), A. B. Crane, 
(D. S.), D. S. Briggs. Trustees — Albert French, William Babbitt, 
Henry Clark, D. S. Briggs, William Boyce, A. B. Crane, W. D. 
Nichols, Barnard Norcutt, Samuel Cudworth.” 



THE BERKELEY CHURCH. 


PASTORS. 


1873. G. W. Wright 
1874-76. C. H. Ewer 
1877. C. S. Nutter 
1878-79. J. H. Humphrey 
1880-82. Richard Burn 
1883-85. A. N. Bodfish 
1886-87. E. S. Fletcher 


1888-90. E. A. Lyon 
1891. J. W. Willett 
1892-93. W. R. Ridington 

1894. E. M. Hill 

1895. B. McCarty 

1896. E. B. Gurney 

1897. Richard Knowles 


24 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — E. H. Allen, James Macomber, William Caswell, David 
Hoxie, George Harmon, Cassius Viall. 

Stewards — -E. H. Allen (R. S.), Angeline Bassett, Abbie Caswell, 
Lydia Macomber, Martha Wellman, Mary Richmond, M. E. West- 
gate, Mary Eaton, Lizzie A. Hoxie, Angenora M. Bowen, James 
Maguire, Mary Corey. 




E. H. ALLEN, MRS. LIZZIE HOXIE. 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

Sunday' School — E. H. Allen, Superintendent; Teachers, Abbie 
Caswell, William Caswell, Angeline Bassett, Emma P. Bassett, Mary 
L. Corey. 

Epworth League — President, Mrs. Lizzie Hoxie; First Vice- 
President, Miss Olivia Hatch; Second Vice-President, Miss Frances 
Conant; Third Vice-President, Mrs. Bertha Cummings; Secretary 
and Treasurer, Miss Edna M. Hoxie. 



M. E. CHURCH, CATAUMET AND POCASSET, MASS. 

This double charge formerly bore the latter name. In the auto- 
biography of Rev. Joseph Snelling, that pioneer Methodist preacher 
of “the Cape,” who, in company with Jesse Lee and other itinerants, 
faithfully and successfully sowed Methodist seed among the sand dunes 



THE CATAUMET CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 

•of Cape Cod, from Provincetown to Wood’s Hole, and across on the 
islands of the seas, occurs this paragraph: 

“I now left the traveling connection, and resided in Pocasset, the 
second parish in Sandwich. The people in Pocasset desiring me to 
be their preacher, I consented, and continued four or five years. We 
Lad a good meeting-house, and a large and steady congregation.” Mr. 
Snelling resided in this neighborhood about 1808-13. He was a 
native of Boston, a man of great affability of manners and kindness 
of heart, an able and earnest preacher, commanding the love and 
respect of all. In the course of his ministry there were extraordinary 
revivals, often accompanied by remarkable displays of divine power, 
persons being greatly wrought upon physically. The church was 
greatly strengthened during his administration, the society being 
organized and the ordinances regularly administered. The reason 
assigned by Mr. Snelling for leaving Pocasset is given in his own 
words: 

“I resided in Sandwich till after the commencement of the last 
war (1812). Suffering some privations and inconveniences, usually 
attendant upon war, I thought it best to remove from there as soon as 
opportunity offered. I lived on the sea-board, and my house was near 
the shore. The English vessels sometimes anchored in Buzzard’s 
Bay, a short distance from my house. In some places they came 




26 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


ashore in their barges, and made their depredations, being quite an 
annoyance to the inhabitants. Our friends in Pocasset were very 
unwilling that I should leave them, and it was a great trial to me, but,, 
after considering the matter, I concluded it was my duty to go. We 
had always lived in harmony and good feeling towards each other, 
and we found it hard parting.” The house which Mr. Snelling occu- 
pied is still in the village, though removed about half a mile south of 
its first location. It is now owned and occupied by Mr. George A. 
Swift, one of the official members of the church. An ancient tomb- 


REV. W. D. WOODWARD. 

stone in the cemetery opposite the church marks the resting-place of 
his first wife, “Hannah Snelling, consort of Rev. Joseph Snelling, who 
departed this life June 13, 1812, aged 34.” 

From 1815 to 1822 Pocasset was supplied by such itinerants as 
Frederick Upham, Erastus Otis, Levi Nye, et*'. From 1822 to about 
1830 the church was under the rule of the Reformed Methodists. But 
about 1830 Father Snelling, who had joined the Methodist Protestant 
Church, came to a camp-meeting held in South Pocasset, and per- 
suaded nearly all of the Reformed Societies to become churches of 
the Methodist Protestant body. About the year 1835 the first Meth- 
odist Protestant Church in Sandwich was organized in Pocasset, with 
about 40 members. This form of government lasted until 1866. 
About 1839 the meeting-house was moved partially around, a new 
front with tower and belfry was added, and the old-fashioned box 
pews gave place to those of more modern style. About $1650 was 
thus expended. It was during the year 1854 that the present small 
parsonage was moved up from Barlow Landing, and placed opposite 
the church. This house, with the addition of a small kitchen, has 




MRS. W. D. WOODWARD. 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


27 


served as the home of many preachers for over forty years, and at the 
present time efforts are being made to build a larger and more con- 
venient residence. In 1866 Rev. Lorenzo D. Johnson, a former pas- 
tor, came to Pocasset, and having joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, persuaded the society to again unite with that branch of 
Methodism under whose auspices it had had its birth. Accordingly 
in August, 1866, under the presiding eldership of Rev. Thomas Ely, 
a. reorganization was effected. Mr. Johnson died in January, 1867, 
and was buried in the church cemetery. 

For the greater portion of this history we are indebted to a full 
record written by the late Ebenezer Nye, father of David D. Nye, who 
is a prominent member of the church, and also of the Board of Select- 
men of the town of Bourne, since its setting off from Sandwich in 1884. 

During the pastorate of Rev. E. B. Gurney, the church was moved 
out of its location, within the cemetery enclosure, across the street. A 
vestry was placed beneath, new stained-glass windows and new seats 
were added. The church was painted and shingled, and altogether 
remodeled at an expense of about $5,000, most of which is paid. It is 
now one of the finest church buildings of its size in the Conference. 
Captain Henry Clement is janitor. Up to this vear Mr. David D. 
Nye had been the faithful and efficient Recording Steward for a period 
of thirty years. 

PASTORS. 



D. D. NYE, 

President Board of Trustees. 


1808-13. Joseph Snelling 

1866- 67. Lorenzo D. Johnson 

1867- 70. Joseph Marsh 

1870- 71. H. B. Cady 

1871- 72. Franklyn Sears 

1872- 73. Charles W. Ryder 

1 873- 74. Henry F. A. Patterson 

1874- 76. S. W. Coggeshall 
1876-79. D. M. Rogers 
1879-81. Edward Williams 
1881-88. Samuel Fox 

1888- 89. L. M. Flocken 

1889- 91. J. H. Buckey 

1891- 92. William Kirkby 

1892- 94. B. K. Bosw^orth 
1894-96. E. B. Gurney 
1896-97. T. E. Duxbury 
1897 — W. D. Woodward 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — D. D. Nye, Anthony Little, Levi Phinney, George A. 
Swift, Charles Edwin Swift. 



28 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Stewards — David D. Nye (D. S.), Frank K. Irwin (R. S.)> 
A. Little, Aaron L. Burgess, George A. Swift, Charles E. Swift, Levi 
L. Phinney, Emma D. Handy, Elizabeth B. Nye, Esther F. Nye. 

Parsonage Committee — E. B. Nye, E. F. Nye, Emma D. Handy, 
L. B. Handy, Mary E. Little, T. C. Swift. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, F. K. Irwin. 

Junior League — President, Mrs. W. D. Woodward. 


POCASSET PEOPLE’S CHURCH. 

This building was erected about four years ago, at a cost of 
$1,400, all paid for. It is a very neat church, and well sustained by a 
heroic few. Services are held Sabbath afternoons and one evening 
a week. This church is about two miles from the Cataumet house of 



POCASSET PEOPLE’S CHURCH. 

worship. Mr. P. Henry Phinney is Sunday-School Superintendent. 
Teachers are William B. Blackwell, Miss Kate Dockray, Mrs. McAl- 
lister, Mrs. Perry. Mr. Thomas Adams is janitor. There is no reg- 
ular church organization here, but the pulpit is supplied by the Catau- 
met pastor. The seats in both churches are free. 


M. E. CHURCH, CHATHAM, MASS. 

Methodism was first planted in Chatham about one hundred 
years ago. In harmony with the genius of Methodism, Rev. Joseph 
Snelling, stationed at Provincetown, in his journeys as an itinerant, 
found his way to the people of Chatham in 1799. 

The following is from his jour- 
nal: “I preached in Province- 
town, Truro, Wellfleet, Harwich 
and Chatham. At that time there 
was but one other Methodist 
preacher stationed on the Cape.” 

From the beginning the town 
was not without an occasional 
visit from a Methodist itinerant. 
From 1807 to 1816 Chatham 
seems to have formed a part of the 
Harwich circuit. In the records 
of Harwich circuit, Chatham is 
credited in the 'year 1807 with a 
collection of $4.90, thus indicating 
it as part of the circuit. The first 
class, consisting of twelve persons, 
was formed October, 1816. 

The first meeting-house was built in 1819. In the records is found 
this statement: “They did not wait for any formal dedication, but as 
soon as it was raised and inclosed, they occupied it for the worship of 
Almighty God. Wonderful and glorious were the manifestations of 
God's power and grace in that old house.” 

This was replaced by a second 
edifice in 1833. The dedicatory 
sermon was preached by Rev. 

Louis Jansen, from the text: 

“The glory of this latter house 
shall be greater than the former, 
said the Lord of Hosts.” 

“Words,” says the records, “that 
were truly prophetic, for if the 
former was made glorious by 
the manifestation of the pres- 
ence and power of God, this 
was much more so.” THE Chatham parsonage. 

This house was occupied sixteen years. December 19, 1849, a 
third edifice, the one now occupied, seating about 500 people, was 




30 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


dedicated by Rev. W. T. Harlow, from the text: “For I am not 
ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto sal- 
vation to every one that believeth.” This building was erected under 
circumstances which made the actual cost about $9,000, but the real 
cost of such a building at the present value of labor and material 
could not be less than $20,000. A good pipe organ was added in 
1865. 

Two factors stand out prominently in the history of Chatham 
Methodism. First — The hospitality of the people towards its heralds. 
Rev. Joseph Snelling records in 1797: “They received me with every 



REV. S. F. JOHNSON. MRS. PHOEBE TAYLOR. 


mark of affection, and here I felt perfectly at home.” Similar testi- 
monies are to be found in almost every pastoral report to the present. 

Second — The frequency of genuine and powerful revivals of 
religion. Among the earliest records is found this statement: “I found 
the church well engaged and walking in the light and comfort of the 
Holy Spirit.” Another records: “A powerful revival of religion com- 
menced while a large assembly were gathered to witness the baptism 
of some half dozen converts, the power of God falling on the people 
in the most remarkable manner.” 

In 1835, records Rev. Israel Washburn, “One of the most power- 
ful revivals of religion in that part of the Cape was witnessed in Chat- 
ham. Scores were converted, and many open opposers were so pow- 
erfully wrought upon by the Spirit, that they were glad to send for the 
preacher to come and pray with them.” 

The latest, but by no means the least, among these seasons of 
powerful awakening, was that of 1895-96, during the pastorate of Rev. 
J. N. Patterson, with the assistance of a band of Christian Crusaders, 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


31 


together with the faithful united labors of the churches and pastors, 
from which 40 persons were received into the Church. “But this/’ 
records the pastor, “is but a feeble representation of the blessed work 
which has actually been done in the membership and regenerated lives 
of many.” 

It is worthy of note that the camp-meetings, first at Truro, and 
afterwards at Eastham and Yarmouth, have again and again revived 
the spiritual life of the Church, and been the means of conversion of 
many of its most useful members. 

The Sunday School, during all this time, has shared in every good 
work of the church. The attendance has varied with the attendance 




CALVIN HAMMOND, F. A. ROGERS, 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

of the other services and the spiritual life of the community. It was 
organized into a Missionary school by G. W. Elmer in 1893, and has 
contributed liberally toward this the greatest of church benevolences. 

The Epworth League was organized by N. C. Alger in 1890. 
With less than 20 original members, it has steadily grown, till at 
present it has a membership of 139. From the beginning it has filled 
a very important place in the religious life of both young and old. 
The attendance at the Sabbath evening meeting is unusually large in 
pleasant weather, being more than 150. 

A Ladies Aid was organized by Mrs. Rev. John Gifford in 1854. 
For nearly half a century this organization has formed a very import- 
ant as well as pleasant part of the church life. 

PASTORS. 

1816-21. Benjamin Hazelton, 1822 Edward T. Taylor 
Isaac Jennison, and (“Father Taylor”) 

George Stone 1823 Levi Bates 


32 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1824 Leonard Bennett 

1825 Nathan Payne 

1826 Robert Gould 
1827-28. Hezekiah Thatcher 
1829-30. George Stone 

1831 William Barstow 

1832 David Culver 

1833 Lewis Jennison 

1834 Joseph Brown 
x 835-36. Israel Washburn 
x 837-38. Joel Steele 
1839-40 Thomas Dodge 
1841-42. Israel Washburn 

1843 George W. Brewster 

1844 Onesiphorus Robbins 
1845-46. Ebenezer D. Trakey 
1847 Cyrus C. Munger 
1848-49. William Leonard 
1850-51. William Livesey 
1:852-53. Asa U. Swinerton 
i 854~55. John Gifford 


1856-57- 

1858 

1859-60. 

1861-62. 

1863-64. 

1865-66. 

1867-68. 

1869-70. 

1871-72. 

1873-74. 

1875-76. 

1877-78. 

1879-80. 

1881-83. 

1884-86. 

1887-88. 

1889-90. 

1891-92. 

1893-96. 

1897 — 


Asa N. Bodfish 
Samuel W. Coggeshall 
William H. Stetson 
John W. Willett 
William H. Riciiards < 
John Howson 
William F. Farrington 
T. Snowdon Thomas 
Edward Edson 
Edward A. Lyon 
Samuel McKeown 
J. D. King 
V. W. Mattoon 
Warren Applebee 
Archibald McCord 
Walter J. Yates 
N. C. Alger 
G. W. Elmer 
J. N. Patterson 
S. F. Johnson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Rufus Smith, A. S. Hammond, Elijah Crosby, Thomas 
Holway, B. S. Cahoon, Sullivan Rogers, R. S. Loveland, Parker Nick- 
erson, Ephraim Smith. 

Stewards — Thomas Holway, Elijah Crosby, B. A. Kendrick 
(D.S.), B. S. Cahoon, James F. Smith, W. F. Harding, R. C. Taylor, 

A. S. Hammond, George F. Harding, C. E. Robbins, Thomas S. 
Arey, Calvin Hammond (R. S.), A. C. Harding. 

Class Leaders — B. S. Cahoon, F. A. Rogers, M. D. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Calvin Hammond; First Assist- 
ant, Josiah Rogers; Second Assistant, B. A. Kendrick; Secretary, Mrs. 
R. A. Nickerson; Librarian, Mrs. Ella Howes; Secretary of Mission- 
ary Society, Miss Tena Doane. 

Teachers — Superintendent of Primary Department, Phoebe Lewis; 

B. S. Cahoon, Mrs. F. A. Rogers, Mrs. W. F. Harding, W. F. Hard- 
ing, P. N. Taylor, Eliza W. Harding, Mrs. Selena Hawes, Hullie 
Howard, E. S. Kendrick, Bertha Cahoon, Miss Helen Harding. 

Epworth League — President, F. A. Rogers, M. D. ; First Vice- 
President, Mrs. R. A. Nickerson; Second Vice-President, Hullie 
Howard; Third Vice-President, Miss Nora Hammond; Fourth Vice- 
President, Mrs. Ella Hawes; Secretary, Flora R. Kendrick; Treasurer, 
Eliza Harding. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


33 

During the pastorate of Rev. Warren Applebee, the church was 
remodeled, and at the formal reopening, Rev. J. W. Willett was the 
poet of the occasion. His contribution is too valuable to omit from 
this sketch. 


As I sat musing here to-night, 

Where all is new and fresh and bright, 

I thought of how this work began 
And who the preachers here have been. 
Many, many a year ago, 

How many years I do not know, 

A Meth’dist came to Chatham town, 

Came to turn it upside down. 

He preached Salvation full and free, — 
“Whoever will, may come,” said he; 

“Come and know your sins forgiven, 

Come and taste a joy like heaven.” 

The people heard and came to see, 

And found it true as truth can be; 

The work went on, the numbers grew — 

A class was formed, ’twas something new. 
Those who met were pleased so well, 

They went out the news to tell, 

Hill others joined their happy band, 

And for the Saviour took a stand. 

Now and then a preacher came, 

Who, by his words, set hearts aflame. 

More and more the work spread out, 

Hill Bishops heard their happy shout; 

They gave the “iron wheel” a turn, 

With speed almost to make it hum, 

And dropped down here a preaching sailor, 
Long since known as “Father Taylor.” 
From then ’till now, ’tis our confession, 
There’s been no break in the succession. 
Bates and Bennet, Paine and Gould, 
Thatcher, Stone and Barstow bold, 

Culver, Jennison and Brown, 

Washburn and Steele, men to crown, 
Thomas Dodge, Washburn again, 

Brewster with his busy brain, 

Robbins, Trakey and Munger too, 

William Leonard, whom well you knew, 
Gifford, the man who went astray, 

Bodfish, as true as steel to-day, 

Coggeshall, who nothing ever forgot, 

But all can tell you to a dot, 

Stetson true to every letter, 

Willett, of whom, — well, — no matter, 
Richards and Howson next came on, 
Followed soon by Farrington; 


34 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


T. Snowdon Thomas next we see, — 

Edson, the first whose years were three; 

A roaring Lyon followed him — 

McKeown, whose eyes with tears were dim. 
Our Lordly King, gave place full soon 
To gentle, loving, true Mattoon. 

For three-score years these men of God 
Have nobly for the Master stood, 

Proclaimed the truth with heart and voice, 
While sinners made the happy choice; 

Gave God their heart, the church their home, 
And helped to spread the holy flame. 

This grand old church now housed so well 
Has done a work no man can tell, 

Some say she’s left the Godly ways 
The fathers trod in other days; 

Is fond of what the worldling brings, 

Socials and fairs and other things. 

I fear ’tis true for I’ve lived to see 
This church given up to an Applebee. 


M. E. CHURCH, CHILMARK, MASS. 

Methodism was first introduced into Chilmark by John Sanders 
in 1787. He was a fugitive slave who found a refuge on the island, 
and, being a local preacher, used his gifts. In 1795 Jesse Lee visited 
the island and preached in Chilmark. 

In the autumn of 1797 the Rev. Joshua Hall, a member of Con- 
ference, was appointed to 
this island, and preached 
monthly in Vineyard 
Haven and the town of 
Chilmark. In Chilmark he 
formed a class of six per- 
sons with the Hon. Benja- 
min Basset, one of the 
judges of the County 
Court, as leader. The 
judge’s house and that of 
venerable William Tilton, 
another of the six, became 
the homes of the preachers 
when in this town, and for 
the time being their preaching places as well. 

Before this year closed the class numbered ten. In September, 
1798, Rev. Joseph Snelling became the successor of Rev. Joshua Hall. 



THE CHILMARK CHURCH. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


35 


Rev. Epaphras Kibby came in 1799 and remained but one quarter. 
After Mr. Kibby there was no regular preacher until 1809, when Rev. 
Erastus Otis visited the island from his circuit, Falmouth. 

The following year, 1810, Mr. Otis preached here, and with the 
assistance of Benjamin Basset, Silas Hillman, and Shadrach Robin- 
son, laymen, the class was revived. 

The records of this church begin with this year and show a mem- 
bership of twelve. In 1811 the Conference appointed to the island 
Rev. William Hinman. In Chilmark preaching services were held 
in dwelling .houses and in an old weaving mill until 1827. 

The house in which the first Methodist meeting was held is still 
standing opposite the parsonage. 

In 1827 a meeting-house was purchased from the Methodists 
of Edgartown and moved to Chilmark. This served their purpose 
until 1843, when it was replaced by a new and more commodious 
building, which is our present place of worship. Gracious revivals 
have attended this church from time to time. In 1812 twenty-six 
were added to the church, making its membership thirty-eight. Dur- 
ing the following ten years (from 1812 to ’22) there were only three 
additions to the membership. From 1823 to ’33 there were twenty- 
nine additions to the church. During the years from 1833 to ’43 sev- 
enty-one united with the church. From 1843 to ’53 thirty-seven were 
received into full membership. From 1853 to ’63 forty-six joined the 
church. From 1863 to ’73 sixty-eight were added to the list of mem- 
bers. From 1873 to ’83 thirty-five joined in full connection. During 
the time from 1883 to ’96 forty-six joined the church. 

Some of those who found Christ at the altar of this church 
became preachers of the Gospel, two of whom we mention, — Rev. 
Caleb L. Rotch, now pastor of the Congregational Church, Stough- 
ton, Ma$s., and Rev. William A. Cottle, who died in the faith three 
years since. This church from its beginning has had strong men 
and women, and under their care has had an enviable record. While 
two other churches have gone to decay, it still lives and has a mem- 
bership of one hundred and four. The Sunday School numbers 
fifty-seven and is in good condition, under the direction of Russell 
Hancock as superintendent. All departments of work are well cared 
for in this church by a faithful official board. 


PASTORS. 


1812. Edward Hyde 

1813. William Frost 

1814. John W. Hardy 


1811. William Hinman 


1810. Erastus Otis 


1815. Benjamin Haselton 

1816. Shipley W. Wilson 

1817. Thomas W. Tucker 

1818. Shipley W. Wilson 

1819-20. Eleazer Steel 


36 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1821-22. John Adams 1835. 

1823. Francis Dane, Freder- 1836. 

ick Upham, colleague 1837. 

1824. Edward T. Taylor, 1838. 

William Allen, col- 1839. 

league 1840. 

*825. Daniel Culver, removed 1841. 

1842. 

1843. 

1844. 
1845-46. 

1847. 

1848. 

1849. 
1850-51. 

1852-53. 

I854-55. 

1856. 

1857- 

1858- 59. 
i860. 
1861-62. 
1863-65. 
1866-68. 
1869-70. 


REV. J. S. BELL. 1871-73- 

1874. 

1825-27. John Adams and Caleb 1875-77. 

Lamb 1878-80. 

1828. William Bar stow 1881-83. 

1829. Hezekiah Thatcher 1884-86. 
1830-31. Thomas G. Brown 1887-88. 

1832. Louis Janson 1889-91. 

1833. This church separated 1892-94. 

from Vineyard Haven 1895. 

1834. Philip Crandon 1896 — 



James Bicknell 
Elijah Willard 
Joseph Brown 
None 

Otis Wilder 
Thomas D. Blake 
Charles D. Cushman 
Ebenezer Ewins 
William Nanscoin 
George W. Wooding 
Nahun Tainter 
O. P. Farrington 
Henry Mayo 
Lewis Bates 
Thomas Slater 
Robert McGonegal 
John Tasker 
William E. Sheldon 
John F. Fogg 
Franklin Sears 
James H. Cooley 
George D. Boynton 
Abel Alton 
Josiah C. Allen 
Seth B. Chace 

D. J. Griffin 

B. K. Bosworth 

E. S. Fletcher 
Heflin S. Smith 
Isaac C. Sherman 
John N. Patterson 
Winfield Hall 

C. T. Hatch 
C. S. Thurber 
B. K. Bosworth 
J. S. Bell 


Trustees — Sanderson M. Mayhew, A. L. Tilton. E. C. Flanders, 
C. C. Look, R. Hancock, S. Flanders, O. Stewart, F. A. Mayhew. 

Stewards — Ely C. Flanders, Russell Hancock, Ainsworth L. Til- 
ton, Stephen Flanders, Onslow Stewart, Fred. A. Mayhew, Francis 
H. Reed, Hertford C. Mayhew, Crandon C. Look. 

Sunday School Superintendent — Russell Hancock. 


P. S.— Pictures of the Chilmark Parsonage and of Hon. E. C. Flanders came 
too late to be inserted here, but will be found at the close of the volume, with 
others that came too late. — THE EDITOR. 



M. E. CHURCH, COTTAGE CITY, MASS. 


This church organization 
grew out of the constantly 
increasing permanent popu- 
lation of the Vineyard 
Grove Camp Ground. 

After camp-meeting fami- 
lies would remain for 
weeks. In a few years 
some of these families be- 
came permanent residents. 
Each year the number of 
permanent residents at 
“Vineyard Grove” in- 
creased. Here they were 
without either preaching 
services or Sabbath School 
until 1870, when Rev. J. D. 
King, their real estate 
agent, organized a Sabbath 
School, superintended it 
and also secured a library. Through his efforts, Rev. William Live- 
sey was sent to look after the work in October, 1871, the “Camp- 
meeting Association” and Vineyard Grove Company” pledging $300 
to the support of preaching. Mr. King assuming the balance on the 
basis of $1,000 salary. 

The congregation at this time was union in name, a number of 
denominations being represented, but no church organization. 
Membership was held elsewhere. 

Mr. Livcsey was re-appointed to the “Vineyard Grove Station” in 

1872. Rev. Dr. Frederick Upham was appointed to this station in 

1873, and Rev. E. H. Hatfield in 1874. Mr. Hatfield was followed 
by Rev. Joseph Marsh in 1876. 

Under Mr. Marsh a climax was reached. A gracious revival 
broke out, in the midst of which a considerable number of Baptist peo- 
ple, who had hitherto worshipped with the Methodists, withdrew and 
effected the organization of a Baptist church. Mr. Marsh, then in his 
eightieth year, was stricken with paralysis, and so was obliged to give 
up the work. But the church continued to prosper notwithstanding 
the division. 

Rev. Dr. George M. Hamlen, now President of Mallalieu Semi- 
nary, Ala., succeeded Mr. Marsh in 1877; and on April 15, 1877, Rev. 
Dr. J. D. King, organized a Methodist class, with about forty mem- 



38 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


bers. The organization took place in Captain Joseph Dias’ dining 
room. At this time they had no church edifice so worshipped in a 
hall over the “Star” office; also in a hall over the Post Office. 

On June 3, 1877, the church was formally organized and the 

sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 
was administered to the “Vineyard 
Grove M. E. Church.” 

During Dr. Hamlen’s pastorate 
of three years (1877-80), Trinity 
M. E. Church was built, at a cost 
of about $10,000. Since that time 
Grace Chapel and a fine parsonage 
have been built. 

In 1880 the church was without 
a pastor from conference time to 
July 9, when Presiding Elder J. W. 
Willett appointed Rev. F. P. 
Parkin, who served the church 
until September 5, 1881, when he 
resigned to finish his course in 
Drew Theological Seminary. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Fred O. 
Holman, who in the middle of the 
conference year of 1882 was obliged to give up because of his health. 
Rev. J. G. Switzer was appointed to fill out the year, but after three 
Sundays he too gave up because of poor health and Rev. L. B. Cod- 
ding was secured to finish out the year. 

The Conference of 1883 re-appointed Rev. F. P. Parkin, he hav- 
ing completed his course at Drew Theological Seminary. In the 
spring of 1885, Mr. Parkin was succeeded by Rev J. F. Cooper, who 
served the church until the close of the Conference year 1887. 

From 1888 to 1889 Rev. W. E. Kugler was pastor. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. G. W. Elmer in 1890. 

From 1891 to 1893 Rev. W. L. Hood was pastor. Mr. Hood’s 
pastorate was very successful. Here he found his valuable “Help- 
meet.” He was succeeded by Rev. R. E. Schuh in 1894. Mr. Schuh 
served the church well for two years and he too found a “Help-meet” 
in Cottage City. 

In 1896 Rev. N. C. Alger was appointed to this charge, but 
owing to his wife’s health, was constrained to give up in December 
1896, and Rev. W. F. Taylor, the present pastor was appointed by 
T. J. Everett, presiding elder, to fill out the year, and was re-appointed 
here at the last Conference session. 



REV. W. F. TAYLOR AND WIFE. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


39 


PASTORS. 



1873 Frederick Upham 


1871-72. William Livesey 


THE TAYLOR TWIN BABIES. 


1874-75. E. H. Hatfield, 
1876 Joseph Marsh 
1 877-79. G. M. Hamlen 
1880-81. F. P. Parkin 
1882 F. O. Holman 
1882 G. G. Switzer 
1882 L. B. Codding 
1883-84. F. P. Parkin . 
1885-87. J. F. Cooper 
1888-89. W. E. Kugler 
1890 G. W. Elmer 
1891-93. W. L. Hood 
18Q4-95. R* E. Schuh 
1896 N. C. Alger 
1896 — W. F. Taylor 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Stewards — S. H. Norton, E. G. Elbridge (D. S.), J. L. Mayhew 
(R. S.), W. B. Devoll, J. C. Hamlen, Leavitt Mayhew, Mrs. A. D. 
Vedder and Mrs. H. H. Rice. 

Trustees — S. H. Norton, Hiram Daggett and J. E. Hamlen. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, J. L. Mayhew. 

Epworth League — President, William Givens. 

Junior League- — President, Mrs. C. Look. 


M. E. CHURCH, DIGHTON, MASS. 


On the evening of January 10, 1859, R ev - John Q. Adams, a local 
preacher who was laboring secularly in Dighton, preached his first 
sermon at Broad Cove, Dighton. The indications were so good that 
meetings were continued, some twenty-five being converted during the 
winter. 

A class was formed which at first was connected with Somerset 
church. Later the members were transferred to the North Dighton 
church on account of difficulties in the Somerset church. 

In March, 1866, an energetic effort was made to establish a 
Methodist church at Dighton village. An application was sent into 
Conference for a preacher to be stationed there, and James A. Dean 
was sent. The prospect was not very encouraging. Only about $400 
was assured for support, and no parsonage. The Dighton Academy 
was secured for a meeting-house. This served as the church building 
until 1893. 


40 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


The first sermon in the Dighton church was preached April 8, 
]866, the congregation increasing in six weeks from fifty to one 
hundred and twenty or thirty. 

The church was organized on May 13, 1866, and reported at con- 
ference twenty-six members and one probationer. 

Up to 1872 the prospects for a growing church were good, but 
general depression in business caused many to leave Dighton in 
search of temporal things. 

The failure or departure of manufacturing interests has left the 
village with little increase of population. There being few promising 



THE DIGHTON CHURCH. 


openings for young men, has caused many of the best to leave in 
search of better opportunities. The church has sustained herself with 
varying success through the years, sometimes the pulpit being sup- 
plied by a student from Boston University or local preacher, some- 
times by members of Conference. Some years the church has been 
visited by gracious seasons of revival; others have been years of sow- 
ing and tilling, with little visible fruit. 

In 1892, Rev. C. T. Hatch was sent to Dighton by the Con- 
ference, and almost immediately began agitating the building of a much 
needed new church. Little encouragement was given him by the 
people of the church, they not being able to see where the necessary 
funds were coming from. Mr. Hatch deserves much credit for per- 
severing in the work until the building was completed. Mr. George 
Walker of Taunton helped both in influence and means to encourage 
Mr. Hatch. S 

On December 14, 1893, the dedicatory services were held, in 
charge of Presiding Elder Ela. Rev. Dr. Charles H. Payne preached 
the sermon and raised $3,200, thus leaving the church with no debt 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


41 

but what was covered by good pledges. The new church is a beauti- 
ful structure of suitable size, well located, convenient in arrangement, 
nicely furnished and equipped. The cost of this building was $5,400, 
but could not be built again for that money. Dighton needs nothing 
now but people to make a flourishing church. 


PASTORS. 


REV. JEROME GREER. 


1866-68. 

1868- 69. 

1869- 72. 
1872-74. 

I874-75- 
T 875-77. 

*877-79- 

1879-82. 

1882-84. 

1884- 85. 

1885- 86. 

1886 - 87 . 

1887- 88. 

1888- 92. 
1892-94. 

1894- 95. 

1895- 96. 

1896 

1897 


James A. Dean 
JI. H. Smith 
Stephen O. Benton 
A. E. Hall 

V. W. Mattoon 

D. L. Brown 
J. Livesey 

L. P. Causey 
Francis D. Sargent 
Thomas Simms 
C. A. Littlefield 
John Thompson 
J. H. Buckey 

W. D. Wilkinson 
C. T. Hatch 
Robert Clark 

C. B. Allen 

E. S. Collier 
Jerome Greer 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Stewards — Eben F. Andrews (R. S.), Joseph Pitts (D. S.), Daniel 
D. Andrews, Joseph T. Horton, O. P. Simmons, Earl S. Ashley, Forest 
A Whitmarsh. 

Trustees — Eben F. Andrews, Daniel Andrews, Forest A. Whit- 
marsh, Joseph Pitts, Charles Chace, Edmond Hathaway, Earl S. 
Ashley. 

T rcasurer — Thurber Wood. 

Librarian — J. W. Andrews. 

Assistant Librarian — Miss Anna Carr. 

Teachers — Eben F. Andrews, Daniel Andrews, Miss May An- 
drews, Mrs. Alexander Swift, Miss Anna Davis, Miss Nellie Pitts. 



M. E. CHURCH, EAST BRIDGEWATER, MASS. 

In the year 1856, R. M. Smith, a local deacon, disposed of his 
business in Scituate, Mass., and moved to the town of East Bridge- 
water. There were at that time a few Methodist families in the town 
worshipping in the other churches, and also a small band of Method- 
ists in the village of North ville, 
in the northerly part of the town, 
called the South Abington Mis- 
sion. 

During the year Mr. Smith 
convened the Methodist families 
and secured sufficient encourage- 
ment to apply to the Providence 
Annual Conference in the spring 
of 1857 for the appointment of a 
minister to this charge. 

In response to that call, Rev. 
Carlos Banning was appointed 
by Bishop Janes to East Bridge- 
water, with an appropriation of 
$100 from the “Conference Mis- 
sionary Society.” Mr. Smith had 
established at his house prayer 
and class meetings, and the 
the east Bridgewater church, society was in working order 

when the pastor arrived. 

At that time there was an unoccupied Universalist church in the 
village, which Mr. Smith leased for a term of years, and thus the 
new Methodist Society was provided with a place of worship. 

Mr. Banning took up his work as pastor immediately, preaching 
his first sermon to the people in April, 1857, and organized a Sunday- 
school the same day, with Mr. William B. Hall as Superintendent. 

At the first communion, held the first Sunday in May, the follow- 
ing persons gathered around the Lord’s table: R. M. Smith, Augusta 
Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Hayward, Francis Hayward, Hannah 
Hayward, Samuel F. White, Rebecca H. White, Jane M. Clark, Alan- 
son Estes, Abigail Estes, Matilda Banning, Harriet Robinson, Mr. 
and Mrs. Dyer, C. H. Brown, and Wm. B. Hall. 

The gracious influence of the Holy Spirit was felt in all the 
religious services and there were several conversions. 

The following November Rev. A. B. Earle was secured as an 
evangelist to assist the pastor. He continued his labors for six weeks. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


43 


the result of this united effort being the conversion of over 200, about 
150 of whom joined the church on probation. 

The attractive and commodious church edifice was built during 
the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Payne, and dedicated in Feb. 1861, the 

dedicatory sermon be- 
ing preached by Rev;. 
E. O. Haven, D. Dj, 
afterwards elected 
Bishop. 

Rev. J. F. Sheffield 
was largely instru- 
mental in raising the 
debt which had re- 
mained up to the time 
of his pastorate upon 
the church edifice, 
which was a great re- 
lief tO' the society. 
About the close of 
Rev. H. H. Martin’s pastorate the society purchased the property 
which has ever since been enjoyed by its pastors as a parsonage. 



EAST BRIDGEWATER PARSONAGE. 



REV. N. B. COOK. 


MRS. N. B. COOK. 


At the First Quarterly Conference, held June n, 1871, Rev. S. A. 
Winsor, the pastor, reported: “We have had the pleasure of being the 
first occupant of the parsonage; it is in every way fitted to make a 
pleasant home for those who may be sent to this charge for years to 

come.” 

During Rev. G. W. Ballou’s pastorate there was a marked revival 
and about fifty conversions. 



44 


SOUVENIR HISTORY . 



For twenty years we find no 


extensive revival reported, but during* 
each pastorate some conversions,, 
and the church is still a thrifty vine 
of God’s planting. 

Mr. Cyrus Washburn, a Meth- 
odist layman of Wellesley Hills, a 
native of East Bridgewater, has re- 
cently presented the town with a 
handsome public library, as shown 
in the accompanying engraving. 
It is near this church and will be 
a valuable addition to the charge. 
Mr. Washburn will receive the 
lasting gratitude of the town for 
his generosity. 


WASHBURN LIBRARY. 


PASTORS. 

i 857-58. Carlos Banning 1875-77. 

1859-60. Chas. H. Payne 1878-80. 

1861-62. Wm. H. Stetson 1881-82. 

1863 John W. Willett 1883-85. 

1864-66. W. F. Farrington 1886-88. 

1867-68. John F.. Sheffield 1889-91. 

1869-70. Henry H. Martin 1892 

1871- 72. S. A. Winsor (in part) 1893-96. 

1872- 74. Geo. W. Anderson 1897 — 


George W. Ballou 
Wm. J. Smith 
Frederick A. Crafts 
Ephraim S. Fletcher 
Richard Burn 
John N. Geisler 
Lucius H. Massey 
Melville B. Wilson 
N. B. Cook 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Wm. B. Hall, President; Chas. R. Beals, Wm. H. 
Taylor, Sec. and Treas. ; Frank M. Fisher, Chas. E. Ellis, Geo. H. 
Elwell, Jno. Burgess, Alton E. Brett, J. Fred Fisher. 

Stezvards — G. H. Elwell (District), C. R. Beals, W. H. Taylor 
(R.), F. W. Newhall, Jno. Burgess, Everett Hayward, C. E. Ellis, 
J. F. Fisher, A. E. Brett, A. S. Brett, F. M. Fisher, Mrs. H. R. Rich- 
ards, Mrs. E. F. Fisher. 

Sunday School — Wm. H. Taylor, Supt. ; Chas. R. Beals, Ass’t 
Supt. ; Esther Taylor, Sec. and Treas.; Geo. H. Elwell, Librarian. 

Teachers — Mrs. H. R. Richards, Mrs. M. Anise Hall, Miss Carrie 
H. Allen, Frank M. Fisher, Wm. B. Hall, Mrs. Charlotte Leach, Mrs. 
S. Evelina Bragdon. 

Epworth League, Geisler Chapter 668 — Geo. W. Skillings, Presi- 
dent; Alton E. Brett, First V. P.; Mrs. M. Annie Cole, Second V. P.; 
Fred E. Bragdon, Third V. P.; Mrs. S. Evelina Bragdon, Fourth 
V. P. ; Miss Carrie H. Allen, Secretary; Geo. H. Elwell, Treasurer. 


M. E. CHURCH, EAST FALMOUTH, MASS. 

By Miss Hattie B. Gifford. 

The early Methodists at East Falmouth were obliged to worship 
in the schoolhouse until in the year 1859, when a church was erected 
through the untiring efforts of Captain John To-bey, the cost being 
$1,850, he paying over one-half the amount. It was dedicated Nov. 

30, 1859. The dedicatory sermon 
was preached by Rev. Andrew Mc- 
Keown, from text Phil. ii-6. The 
church was held by a building 
committee until 1883, when it was 
made over to' the trustees. 

The first pastor was Rev. Abel 
Alton, and as nearly as can be 
learned, there were about fifteen 
members, only two of whom are 
now living. They are both serving 
on the board of stewards at the 
present time. The church has been 
visited several times with special re- 
vivals and numbers have been 
added, so that the membership at 
the present date is about 53. 
Among the many devoted pastors 
who have served this church was Rev. John Fish, one of the most 
consecrated ministers of his time. During one period of his ministry 
he taught the village school in addition to his pastoral duties. 

The pastorate of H. G. Budd, a student of Boston University, 
was marked by general prosperity, spiritually and financially. The 
work in all departments has greatly prospered under the labors of 
C. S. Thurber, a man filled with the spirit of God. 



EAST FALMOUTH CHURCH. 


1859- 

Abel Alton 

1860-61. 

Franklin Sears 

1862. 

Lawton Cady 

1863-64. 

Stephen Y. Wallace 

1865-67. 

John Fish 

1868. 

Franklin Sears 

1869. 

Robert Macy 

1870-71. 

Charles Stokes 

1872-74. 

John Fish 

1875- 

Benj. L. Sayer; W. C. 


Wilbur finished 

1876-77. 

Richard Burn 

1878. 

Tell A. Turner 

1879. 

Rev. Mr. Bessey 


Daniel Griffin and 
Henry Hamblin 
Henry Hamblin 
John McVay 
Rev. Mr. Whitney; 
finished by W. Millar 
1884-86. Isaac Sherman 
1886-87. Supplied by students 
1888-89. J. B. Washburn 

1890. L. H. Massey 

1891. W. H. Whelan 
1892-93. H. G. Budd 
1894. B. K. Bos worth 
1 ^ 95 ~ 97 - C. S. Thurber 


PASTORS. 

1880. 

1881. 

1882. 

1883. 



400m. 










> w 


DISTINGUISHKD M KTHODIST MINISTERS FORMERLY MEMBERS OF OUR CONFERENCE. 

I . T. Worth. C. L. Goodell. D. A. Jordan. J. a. M. Chapman. Ex-Pres. C. W. Gallagher. 

. M. Taylor. H. D. Kimball. Emory J. Haynes. C. S. Nutter. William MacDonald. 



M. E. CHURCH, EASTHAM, MASS. 

The origin of Methodism in Eastham was the outgrowth of a 
camp-meeting held in Wellfleet, Aug. 19, 1819. It was the first camp- 
meeting ever held on Cape Cod, and was attended by a number of 
persons from Eastham, many of whom returned feeling deeply 



THE EASTHAM CHURCH. 

convinced of their need of salvation, which fact they made known to 
their neighbors, with the result that the awakening became extensive, 
so that penitent souls from every part of the town were brought to 
the “knowledge of salvation by the remission of their sins.” 

The influence of the camp-meeting was followed by the faithful 
labors of Rev. E. Wiley, preacher in charge of Wellfleet circuit. The 
converts became probationers, and members of a class in Wellfleet. 
They, with many others, were subsequently formed into two distinct 
classes, under charge of Pastor Wiley, and formed part of Wellfleet 
circuit. The first class leaders were Thomas Cobb and James Hick- 
man. 

At the next session of New England Conference, held June, 1820, 
Rev. Edward Hyde was appointed preacher in charge of Wellfleet 
circuit. The next year (1821) Mr. Hyde was re-appointed to the same 
charge in connection, with Rev. Herman Perry. The former came to 
reside in Eastham. This was a year of marked prosperity. On one 
“class paper” of this date were found the names of 60 members. 
During the same years the “Meeting-House” was built. 

Pratt, in his History of Eastham, says: “In 1821 the Methodist 
Meeting-House was built. It is a neat and commodious house, suffi- 
ciently large to accommodate all who belong to the society and attend 
the meetings, being at the present time nearly two-thirds of all the 
inhabitants of the town. 


48 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


In 1822 the circuit was in charge of Revs. H. Perry and L. Ben- 
nett. Rev. E. Hyde was appointed Presiding Elder of Boston district* 
and in his official capacity visited the society quarterly, much to its 
pleasure and profit. 

The church in its early history was favored with the “pious 



THE EASTIIAM PARSONAGE. 

instruction and Godly councils” of Rev. George Pickering, a name dear 
to all New England Methodists. He was Presiding Elder of the 


REV. WILLIAM KIRKBY. 


MRS. WILLIAM KIRKBY. 


district at the time the society laid the foundation for their “House of 
Worship.” 

At the session of New England Conference, held June, 1823, the 
connection of this society with Wellfleet circuit was — (as per request 





SOUVENIR HISTORY . 


49 


of the last quarterly meeting) — dissolved, and Eastham was made a 
separate station. 

Rev. Nathan Paine was appointed to the charge as the first 
stationed preacher for Eastham, and remained pastor two years. At 
this time the church had 118, and in 1844 it had increased to 185 
members. 

The present commodious church edifice was erected in 1851, on 
the site of the old “Meeting-house,” at a cost of $4,900, during the 
pastorate of Rev. W. Leonard. The congregations were at this time 
said to have averaged — in good weather — 200, and the church was in 
prosperous circumstances. 

But this church, in common with other churches on Cape Cod has. 
sustained heavy losses by removals and death of many members who 
were of great value to the church in its progressive warfare against 
the “Powers of darkness,” and accomplishment of its divine mission. 

If space would permit many interesting facts might be mentioned 
concerning this old church and the faithful pastors who have served it. 
Few churches have a nobler record. 


1823-24. 

1825 

1826-27. 

1828 

1829-30. 

1831-32 

1833 

1834-35- 

1 836-37. 

1838 

1839-40. 

1841 

1842-43. 

1844-45- 

1846 

1847 
1848-49. 
1850-51. 

1852 

1853 

1854 

1855-56. 


PASTORS. 


Nathan Paine 

1857-58. 

Abel Allton 

E. K. Avery 

1859-60. 

Edward B. Hinckley 

Benjamin Keith 

1861-62. 

B. K. Bosworth 

Fred’k Upham 

1863-64. 

C. Hammond 

Joel Steel 

1865-66. 

Benjamin L. Sayer 

Hector Brownson 

1867 

Francis A. Loomis 

Lemuel Harlow 

1868-69. 

John S. Fish 

T. G. Brown 

1870 

Lawton Cady 

Warren Emerson 

1871 

George S. Macomb er 

Thomas Ely 

1872-73. 

Eben Tirrell, Jr. 

Josiah Litch 

1874 

John Cooper 

E. W. Jackson 

1875-76. 

John S. Fish 

Onesiphorus Robbins 

1877-78. 

Charles N. Hinckley 

Henry Smith 

1879 

Philo Hawkes 

Joseph Macreading 

1880-82. 

Frank Bowler 

Samuel Fox 

1883-84. 

S. F. Harriman 

Dixon Stebbins 

1885-87. 

Martin T. Braley 

William Leonard 

1888-89. 

Samuel Fox 

Anthony Palmer 

1890-93. 

George E. Dunbar 

Thomas D. Blake 

1894 

Charles Smith 

Wm. H. Stetson 

1895 - 

William Kirkby 

George Burnham 




PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — Heinan S. Gill, Thomas H. Gill, Mrs. Mary E. Cole, 
Mrs. Winslow Horton, Henry Harding, Geo. H. Clark, Oliver Mayo, 
Mrs. Rebecca Gill, Joseph F. Mayo. 


50 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Stezvards — Heman S. Gill, T. K. Gill (D. S.), Mrs. Winslow Hor- 
ton, Mrs. Edward Clark, Mrs. Simeon Perry, Geo. H. Clark (R. S.), 
Miss Jemima Clark, Henry Harding, Mrs. Mary E. Cole. 

Class Leaders — Mrs. Mary E. Cole, Henry Harding. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Henry Harding; Asst. Superin- 
tendent, Arthur C. Perry; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Almena L. 
Beaver; Asst. Secretary and Treasurer, Geo. H. Clark; Librarian, Wil- 
bur S. Cole; Asst. Librarians, William F. Knowles, Henry D. Smith. 

Teachers — Miss Ella L. Mayo, Mrs. Henry Harding, Mrs. Thomas 
K. Gill, Simeon Perry, Mrs. Simeon Perry, Geo. H. Clark, Mrs. Mary 
E. Cole, Mrs. Austin E. Cole, Rev. W. Kirkby, Mrs. Winslow Horton. 

Epzvorth League — President, Rev. W. Kirkby; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Miss Emma J. Higgins; Second Vice-President, Miss Ella L. 
Mayo; Fourth Vice-President, Mrs. William Kirkby; Secretary and 
Treasurer, Miss Maud F. Ellison. 


M. E. CHURCH, EDGARTOWN, MASS. 

In 1809, Rev. Erastus Otis visited Martha’s Vineyard. He 
preached his first sermon in Edgartown in a house provided by Mrs. 
Naomi Beecher, a cousin of Dr. Lyman Beecher. She and a Miss 
Love Stewart, who, several years before, was converted in Maine, under 

the labors of Rev. Timothy 
Merritt, were the only Meth- 
odists in town. The preach- 
ing of Mr. Otis was very dif- 
ferent from what the town 
people had been accustomed 
to, but he had hearers. Miss 
Stewart’s father consented to 
open his house as a preaching- 
place. For awhile Mr. Otis 
taught school in Edgartown, 
and preached there and at 
other places on the island, 
and his work was successful. 
On Nov. 4, 1809, he formed 
the first class, which consisted 
of six persons, and it pros- 
pered. Thomas Stewart, a 
sailor, who had been recently converted, was appointed leader. 
The new religion, as it was called, brought on a storm of 



THE EDGARTOWN CHURCH. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


51 


persecution. It was as fierce as in the earliest days of 
Methodism. Recourse was had to law and mob violence on the part 
of opposers, but they were foiled in their efforts. In 1811 a site 
was secured, and a Union Meeting-house was built. But in 1821 the 
brethren sold their interest in it, and 
built one for themselves. This in 
1827 was sold to the brethren in Chil- 
mark, and was taken to pieces and 
removed thither. Another was erected, 
which is now the Town Hall. The 
present large edifice was completed 
and dedicated in 1843, an d in 1893 its 
semi-centennial was fittingly cele- 
brated. When the whaling business was 
good, this seaport town was prosper- 
ous. The church was in a correspond- 
ingly flourishing condition, being one 
of the strongest in the Conference. 

The congregation was large. Our 
ablest men filled the pulpit, and 
intellectual and devout men and 
women filled the pews. The services were spiritual, and from 
time to time the church was visited with gracious revivals of religion. 
The pastor was sustained by an active and strong force of workers: 
stalwart Christians, whose thoughts and words had weight. Among 
the pastorates especially noted for revivals were those of J. B. Gould* 
L. D. Davis and J. D. King. But the most famous revival in the 
history of the church was that which occurred in J. B. Gould’s pastor- 
ate, in 1852-53, which continued for one hundred nights and 
swept over the island in Pentecostal power. See account of this, 
revival in special article by the venerable J. B. Gould in another place 
in this volume. 

In the community the church has been a power for good, and has. 
sent out blessed influences over the island. 

Strange to say, the church never owned a parsonage. This, 
has been its latest acquisition. In June, 1896, a good, convenient* 
and commodious house, on the water-front, was purchased for a 
parsonage. It was bought for a reasonable price, and the price was 
paid before the next session of the Conference, except $150. The 
society has now a good church in which to worship, and a pleasant 
home for its pastor. 



REV. J. HOLLINGSHEAD. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 
PASTORS. 


1809-10. Erastus Otis 

1811 William Kinman 

1812 Edward Hyde 

1813 John Frost 

1814 J. W. Hardy 

1815 Benjamin Hazelton 

1816 S. W. Wilson 

1817 T. W. Tucker 

1818 S. W. Wilson 

1819-20. Eleazer Steel 

1821-22. John Adams 

1823 Frederick Upham 

1824 Edward T. Taylor 

1825 David N. Culver 

1826 John Adams 

1827 Jotham Horton 
1828-29. Thomas C. Pierce 
1830-31. Epaphras Kibby 

1832 J. J. Bliss 

1833 J. S. Risley 

1834 Joel Steele 
1835-36. J. C. Bontecan 
1837-38. Asa Kent 
1839-40. Thomas Ely 
1841 E. W. Stickney 
1842-43. C. S. Macreading 
1844-45. W. T. Harlow 


1846 Cyrus Munger 

1847 Thomas Ely 
1848-49. Frederick Upham 
I 85o-5i. C. H. Titus 
i ^ 52-53. J. B. Gould 

1854 William Kellen 
1:855-56. Sanford Benton 
1857-58. William H. Stetson 
1859-60. L. D. Davis 
1861 Charles Nason 
1862-63. F. A. Crafts 
1864-65. Seth Reed 

1866 A. W. Paige 

1867 G. W. Bridge 
1868-69. A. J- Church 
1870-72. D. A. Whedon 
1 873-75. Elisha Dunham 
1876-78. S. M. Beale 
1879-81. J. D. King 
1882 J. O. Thompson 
1883-85. J. H. Humphrey 
1886 Silas Sprowls 
1887-90. John D. King 
1891-93. Herman C. Scripps 
1894-95. C. T. Hatch 
1896 — J. Hollingshead 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Dr. T. J. Walker, B. T. Hillman, E. W. Chadwick, 
W. E. Marchant, E. Gabrielson, J. Donaldson, G. J. Hart, G. R. 
Ripley. 

Stewards — W. E. Marchant, B. T. Hillman, Eric Gabrielson, S. C. 
Norton, Allen Norton, J. F. Norton, J. N. Donaldson, H. A. Pease, 
0 . J. Hart, G. Ripley. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Beriah T. Hillman; Asst. Super- 
intendent, James T. Chadwick; Secretary and Treasurer, Maria Smith; 
Eibrarian, P. N. Mayhew. 

Teachers — E. W. Chadwick, J. Hollingshead, B. T. Hillman, J. E. 
Chadwick, G. J. Hart, Caroline L. Schofield, Lucretia S. Norton, Mrs. 
Charles A. Norton, Mrs. Arthur C. Vincent, Mrs. Jonathan Norton, 
Mrs. Mary E. Stapleford, Miss Charlotte Fisher. 

Superintendent Home Department — Mrs. J. Hollingshead. 


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M. E, CHURCH, FAIRHAVEN, MASS. 



Until Dec. 28, 1829, the Methodists in Fairhaven worshipped with 
the Elm Street M. E. Church, New Bedford. On that date the Fair- 
haven class requested that a chapel be erected for their accom- 
modation. 

In June, 1830, the new chapel was opened for worship, and 

dedicated. The sermons were by 
Rev. Orange Scott and Rev. John 
Lindsey. Rev. William Livesey 
was appointed to the station that 
year. The society continued as a 
branch of the Elm Street Church,. 
New Bedford, until 1832, when it 
was deemed expedient that the 
Fairhaven Society become a sep- 
arate organization. 

Aug. 30, 1832, the organization 
was perfected with the following 
as Trustees: Joseph Millett, James 
Tripp (2d), John P. Winslow,. 
Joseph P. Swift, Joseph B. Morse,. 
Dennis McCarthy, Warren Max- 
field. 

The society continued to occupy 
their house of worship until the 
the fairhaven church. spring of 1 849, when the subject of 

purchasing the edifice left vacant 
by the Centre Congregational Society, was agitated. On April 16, 
1849, the Trustees reported that they had “obtained a title to the 
property for the 
use and behoof of 
the Methodist 
Episcopal Church.” 

This building is 
still used by the 
society. It is a 
spacious wooden 
structure, contain- 
ing auditorium, 
vestry, class-room 
and kitchen; cen- 
trally located at 
the corner of Cen- 

. . THE MILLICENT LIBRARY. 

ter and Walnut 

Streets, within the shadow of the elegant Town Hall and Public 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


55 


Library. This magnificent new library, the noble gift of H. H. 
Rogers, of New York, a native of Fairhaven, is situated nearly oppo- 
site the church, and makes this one of the most desirable appoint- 
ments in the Conference for a studious minister. 



THE FAIRHAVEN PARSONAGE. 

The first meeting-house still stands, a conspicuous feature of the 
landscape, on the left, as one enters Fairhaven from New Bedford 
via the bridge. It was purchased by the town; raised, to secure an 
additional story, and fitted as a high school. 

A long list of illustrious men have served this church. Many 




REV. SHERMAN E. ELLIS. MRS. SHERMAN E. ELLIS. 

glorious religious awakenings have cheered the hearts of the faithful. 

To speak in worthy terms of all these pastors, would take a 
volume alone. Many of them have gone to their reward, but their 
works do follow them. 





SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


56 


1830. 

1831. 
1832-33. 

1834- 

1835- 

1836- 37. 
1838. 
1839-40. 
1841-42. 
I843- 
1844. 

1845- 

1846- 47. 
I848. 
1849 - 50 . 

1851-52- 

I853-54- 

1855-56. 

I857- 


f 


PASTORS. 


Wm. Livesey 1858. 

Leonard Griffin 1859-60. 

Nathan Paine 1861-62. 

Lewis Janson 1863-64. 

Daniel K. Banister 1865-67. 
David Leslie 1868-70. 

Henry Mayo 1871-72. 

Apollos Hale 1873-74. 

Isaac Stoddard 1 875-77. 

Nathan Paine 1878. 

John W. Case 1879. 

Daniel Webb; supplied 1880-82. 

by G. W. Brewster 1883. 
Micah J. Talbot, Jr. 1884-85. 
Henry Baylies 1886-88. 

Samuel C. Brown 1889-90. 

Horatio W. Houghton 1891-92. 
Richard Livesey 1893-94. 

William H. Richards 1895. 
Bartholomew Otheman 1896 — 


James M. Worcester 
John B. Husted 
Edward A. Lyon 
William Livesey 
Henry H. Smith 
Frederic Upham 
John Gray 
Hopkins B. Cady 
Geo. DeB. Stoddard 
Daniel C. Stevenson 
Francis D. Sargent 
George E. Fuller 
Edward L. Hyde 
Henry J. Fox 
William F. Davis 
W. Lenoir Hood 
Nathan C. Alger 
George A. Sisson 
William S. Fitch 
Sherman E. Ellis 


MISS ELIDA C. STEVENS, 
Epworth League President. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Eben Akin, Jr., Fred’k Williams, Thomas N. Reynolds, 
James Ede, Cyrus Peckham. 

Stewards — Alfred Nye (Recording), Eben Akin, Jr., Fred’k Will- 
iams, Cyrus Peckham, Henry Shurtleff, Thomas N. Reynolds 
(District), Samuel W. Babbitt, James Ede, Stephen M. Allen, Robert 
H. Taber, Lydia B. Shurtleff, Martha E. Sampson. 


JAMES EDE, 

Sunday School Superintendent. 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


5 7 


Class Leaders — George E. Loyd, R. H. Taber. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Jas. Ede; Asst. Superintendent, 
Miss L. F. Winchester; Secretary, Miss Florence Howard; Asst. Sec- 
retary, Miss Grace Nickerson; Treasurer, Eben Akin, Jr.; Librarian, 
Miss Abbie Williams; Asst. Librarians, Miss Annie May Nye, Miss 
Alice P. Winchester. 

Teachers — Rev. S. E. Ellis, Robert H. Taber, Mrs. Ruth A. Waltz, 
Mrs. Mary E. Sylvester, Mrs. S. E. Ellis, Miss Mabel Bates, Mrs. 
Eliza A. Baker, Miss Elida Carpenter, Miss Mary Macomber, Mrs. 
Emma S. Morse, Miss L. F. Winchester, Miss Sadie Blaisdell, Mrs. 
Hannah F. Nye, Miss Carrie L. Shurtleff, Mrs. Elizabeth Butman, 
Miss Martha E. Sampson, Samuel W. Babbitt, Miss Estelle Jackson, 
Mrs. Jessie E. Swain, Mrs. Lydia B. Shurtleff, Miss Anna C. Taber. 

Epworth League — President, Miss Elida C. Stevens; First Vice- 
President, Miss Bessie C. Taber; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Edwin 
F. Dexter; Third Vice-President, Mrs. S. E. Ellis; Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent, Miss Anna C. Taber; Secretary, Miss Alice P. Winchester; 
Treasurer, James Ede; Superintendent, Junior League, Miss L. F. 
Winchester. 


FALL RIVER EPWORTH LEAGUE UNION. 

By Rev. R. M. Wilkins. 

The lack of unity and hearty co-operation in the Methodist Epis- 
copal churches of this city is one of the standing incidents of its his- 
tory. For more than, a quarter of a century not a mission has been 
established in any of the outlying districts of this growing city. Other 
religious sects have come in and established from one to four missions 
during that time. The need of concentration of effort has been appar- 
ent for a long time. The Epworth Leagues have taken the initiative. 
In June, 1895, an invitation was sent to all the Leagues of the city by 
the League of the First M. E. Church for a union meeting to devise 
plans for a more complete union of our forces for larger success in 
‘Christian work. The response to the invitation was hearty. Hon. 
Robert F. Raymond of New Bedford addressed the meeting. A com- 
mittee of three from each League was appointed to report a plan at 
the next meeting, which was held in the following Septem- 
ber. At that time it was deemed advisable to effect a permanent or- 
ganization, consequently the usual form was observed, and the follow- 
ing officers were chosen for one year, the annual election occurring in 
September : 

President, H. H. Miller; First Vice-President, W. S. Davis; Sec- 


58 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


ond Vice-President, Miss Mary N. Adams; Third Vice-President, 
Mrs. S. Simmons; Fourth Vice-President, Mrs. Weaver; Secretary, 
Miss Alice L. Sampson; Treasurer, Miss Cora F. Hacking. The union 
is yet in its infancy, but the work already accomplished is fully appre- 
ciated. Large results socially and spiritually are expected in the near 
future. Three admirable lectures have been given by the following 
well-known brethren: Rev. E. M. Taylor, Bishop Hartzell and James 
M. Taber. 

At each quarterly meeting a social has been held with good suc- 
cess. The success of the past year under the management of the 
present officers has been very gratifying. Mr. W. S. Davis was elected 
President at the last annual meeting in ’97 and A. J. Shovelton first 
Vice-President, no other changes having been made. Mr. Shovelton 
inaugurated a union love feast, held once in three months at 5.30 Sun- 
day P. M. The first one was held in February, 1897, in St. Paul’s. 
Church, with a large attendance, and with spiritual power and enthu- 
siasm. These meetings are gaining in interest and good results must 
follow. It is the desire of these earnest workers that God will bap- 
tize these efforts with power, that they may bear abundant fruit. 


BRAYTON MEMORIAL M. E. CHURCH, FALL RIVER. 

The history of this church is somewhat unique. Its environment 
is historic. The memories of the past are sacred. The organization 
of a Sunday School in 1843, with Abner L. Westgate of the First M. E. 
Church as superintendent, was the nucleus. The first sessions of the 


school were held in the base- 
ment of a four-tenement block 
called the Great Westerner, 
located on the road to New- 
port (this part of the city at 
that time was in the town of 
Tiverton, R. I.), now South 
Main Street. Success crowned 
the efforts of officers and 
teachers. New accessions were 
made to the school as circum- 
stances would allow. A more 
inviting and commodious room 



OLD BRAYTON CHURCH. 


was subsequently secured in the 
hall over the Print Works on Globe Street. 

Mr. Joel Wood, then a young man of promise, became interested 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


59 

and identified himself with Sunday School work and has been a tireless 
worker in the years of service he has given the church. 

Mr. William Chapin, then the owner of the Print Works, was a 
man of push and Christian principle and through his influence reli- 



NEW BRAYTON CHURCH. 

gious services were held in the hall, largely for the benefit of his 
operatives. He bought a site on Globe Street for a new church, and 
laid the corner stone August 14, 1850. The church was dedicated 
as “Christ’s Church” September 13. Rev. J. P. Cleveland, D. D., of 
Providence, R. I., preached the sermon. On the 14th of November fol- 
lowing the interior of the church was remodeled and enlarged to meet 
the increasing demand of the Sunday School. During the next four 
years three clergymen served the church: Revs. S. S. Ashley, Harmon 
and C. J. Cummings. Rev. David Patten, D. D., Presiding Elder of 
the Providence District, established a class here in 1853 and organ- 
ized the church. In the early autumn Rev. Amos H. Worthin began 
his labors as preacher in charge. The first Quarterly Conference was 
held here June 3, 1855, with Rev. C. H. Titus as Presiding Elder, and 
Elihu Grant preacher in charge. At- this time Mr. Chapin sold his 
Print Works and left town. On the 4th of April, 1854, he held the 
last meeting of the corporation, the parish and church meeting fol- 
lowing. Dr. Patten secured the church property for the Methodists. 
The deed was given at this time, though the church did not take legal 
possession until 1857, when Asa U. Swinerton was pastor. Mr. 
Swinerton met with a severe loss in the death of his dear wife, whose 
funeral occurred March 17, 1861, the sermon being preached by 
Bishop Baker. Rev. C. A. Merrill preceded Mr. Swinerton 



6o 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


and gave one year of service. Rev. Elihu Grant was his successor 
and for the second time gave valuable service to this church. At the 
close of his pastorate the church was placed under the fostering care 
of the First M. E. Church. Mr. Grant was a faithful, self-sacrificing 
man. Rev. Amos Walker was appointed his successor, and by careful 
management led the church on to victory. Rev. E. H. Hatfield, a 
man of more than ordinary pulpit ability, next came and attracted 
large crowds to the regular services of the church. Rev. Wm. P. 
Hyde followed him in the spring of 1868 and did valiant service for 




REV. R. M. WILKINS. MRS. R. M. WILKINS. 

the church. He lifted the burden of a debt, repaired the church, and 
on the day of dedication changed the name from Globe Street M. E. 
Church to Brayton M. E. Church. Hon. John S. Brayton, and Mrs. 
Mary B. Young, his sister, gave with a liberal hand to aid Mr. Hyde 
in his work. 

The Brayton family have been connected with Methodism from 
its introduction into southeastern Massachusetts to the present. 
Mr. John Brayton, grandsire of John S., and family was also one 
of the founders of the old historic M. E. Church at South Somer- 
set. His beautiful home was ever open to the weary itinerant who 
found here “a calm, a sure retreat.” The family which have sprung 
from this saint of God have become prominent actors in the social 
business and professional life of Fall River. They have been identi- 
fied with every public movement tending to elevate society and afford 
relief to the suffering. The Methodism of North Dighton and this 
city stand an imperishable monument to the memory of John 
Brayton. 

During the pastorate of William P. Hyde a bell was presented to 
the society by Mr. Augustus Chase. Other pastors who have served 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


61 


this church with success are Rev. G. H. Lamson, C. S. Morse, E. A. 
Lyon, S. McKeown, Elihu Grant and W. B. Heath. During Mr. 
Heath’s stay of three years the church was raised, and a vestry added, 
an annex built with room for the primary department and a ladies’ 
kitchen, the roof shingled, and the building painted, at a cost of $2,500. 
Mrs. Mary B. Young and her brothers, John S. and Hezekiah Bray- 
ton, gave liberally to aid this work. Mrs. Young left a bequest in her 
will to the church of $1,000 in trust. The Ladies’ Aid gave Mr. Heath 
valuable assistance in his work. 

Rev. B. F. Simon followed Mr. Heath. Again for prudential 



WILLIAM A. GAMMONS. 


JOHN N. WILDE. 
Epworth League President. 


Sunday School Superintendent. 


reasons the society thought it best to seek shelter under the wing of 
the First M. E. Church again. Mr. Simon served a second year and 
then the relation was discontinued. Rev. Robert Clark came as the 
next pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Gammons. He spent 
five pleasant years here. He improved the main entrance to the 
church, beautified the auditorium and made it more attractive. Much 
of the work was done with his own hands, as he has practical knowl- 
edge of frescoing. 

April, 1894, Rev. R. M. Wilkins was assigned to this field, and 
the relation has been continued to the present, this being the fourth 
year. 

The Year Book of 1894 gave 137 church members, and the total 
enrollment in the Sunday School, 272. At present there are 168 mem- 
bers of the church and 357 total enrollment in the Sunday School. 
The advancement of the church during this long period of business 
depression is cause for rejoicing. The rapid growth of the Sunday 


62 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. , 


School and oth-er departments of work called for more adequate 
accommodations, if large success was to be achieved. In January, 
1895, a gracious revival of religion gave the church new and efficient 
workers. The need for a better place of worship had been under 
consideration for some time. A committee to raise funds for that 
object was appointed. Steps were taken to build. Pledges from the 
Ladies’ Aid and from the Epworth League for $500 each had been 
secured, and Hon. J. S. Brayton and his sister, Miss Sarah S. Brayton, 
sent their checks for $500 each to aid the new enterprise. The en- 
couragement from this noted source gave a new impulse to the work, 
and made a new church possible. The board decided to dedicate the 
new church Brayton Memorial in honor of the pioneer Methodist of 
the locality, Mr. John Brayton. The idea of a better and more 
eligible site had been under discussion for some time, and the matter 
was finally referred to the Conference Board of Church Location. 
This board made a careful investigation of every available site, but 
failed to fix upon any. Plans were immediately drawn for a new 
building on the old site. The building committee empowered to 
act had specifications drawn ready for contractors’ bids, when Mr. 
John D. Flint became interested and spent some time with the pastor 
making a careful investigation of available sites. Mr. Flint found one 
at last on Griffin Street, between Broadway and South Main Street, 
and made the board an offer of seventy-eight rods of land, worth in 
the market $3,000. This offer was gladly accepted and thus one of 
the most difficult problems in the history of the church was solved. 
The name of John D. Flint will never be forgotten by this church. 
He generously subscribed $500 to aid the enterprise. Credit is due 
to Messrs. Stevens, Dr. Davis and Edward B. Jennings for their 
liberality in donating so valuable a piece of property to this church. 
Through the influence of Rev. T. J. Everett, Presiding Elder, the Con- 
ference Home Missionary Board has given $400 to this work. The 
ground for the new building was broken June 14. The new structure 
will be Gothic and two-story, with all modern conveniences. The 
estimated cost of the new building is $9,300. With this new equip- 
ment and one of the best locations in this part of the city the church 
will march on to power, success and fame. 


PASTORS. 


1854. Amos H. Worthin 

1855. Elihu Grant 


1 875-76. Edward A. Lyon 
1877-78. Samuel McKeown 
1879-80. Elihu Grant 


1856. Charles A. Merrill 

1857. Asa U. Swinerton 
1861-62. Elihu Grant 


1881-83. William B. Heath 
1884-85. B. F. Simon 


1867. Edward Hatfield 
1868-70. William P. Hyde 


1886-88. Robert Clark 


1889-93. John G. Gammons 
1894 — R. M. Wilkins 


1871-72. George H. Lamson 
1:873-74. Charles S. Morse 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


63 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — William A. Gammons, J. N. Wilde, A. J. Wilcox, 
Walter Etchells, Hiram Bradshaw, J. B. Monk, John Wood, Vincent 
Thorpe, William Griffiths. 

Stezvards — J. N. Wilde, Joseph Solomon, William A. Gammons, 
Vincent Thorpe, Herbert Cash, Richard Shovelton, William Griffiths, 
A. J. Wilcox, Mrs. Sarah A. Rowbottom, Mrs. Nancy Turner, Mrs. 
Ellen Wood. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, William A. Gammons; Assistant 
Superintendent, C. J. McCreery; Secretary, Vincent Thorpe; Treas- 
urer^. H. McCreery; Librarian, William Gaskell. 

Teachers — R. M. Wilkins, J. N. Wilde, J. Solomon, Herbert Cash, 
George Monks, Richard Knowles, Hiram Bradshaw, Mrs. R. M. 
Wilkins, Mrs. M. Sykes, Mrs. Nancy Turner, Miss Florence Turner, 
Miss Bertha Kay, Miss Mary Buckley, Mrs. Lizzie Cash, Mrs. Wil- 
liam A. Gammons, Mrs. Mary Fitton, Miss Cora F. Hacking, Miss 
Charlotte Tongue, Mrs. A. Fields, Mrs. Vincent Thorpe. Infant De- 
partment — Principal, Miss Stella M. Bounds; Assistants, Almeda 
Harris, Martha Dubois. 

Epzvorth League — President, John N. Wilde; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Joseph Solomon; Second Vice-President, Miss Stella M. Bounds; 
Third Vice-President, Miss Ella Wilcox; Fourth Vice-President, Miss 
Lizzie Hacking; Treasurer, George Monks; Secretary, Miss Cora F. 
Hacking. 


FIRST M. E. CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. 

The source of Fall River Methodism is to be found in the church 
at South Somerset, formerly named in the appointments as Somerset. 
In the year 1824 Ebenezer Blake, the pastor of that church, began to- 
“preach lectures” once a fortnight on week evenings in the village 

of Troy, as Fall River was thea 
called. His successor, Heman 
Perry, continued these services,, 
and, in 1825, organized a class of 
about twelve members of which 
John Anthony was made leader. 
In June, 1826, Charles Virgin and 
Nathan B. Spaulding were ap- 
pointed to Somerset. They in- 
augurated a fortnightly Sunday 
service at a schoolhouse in Fall 
River. About the first of January,. 
1827, a gracious revival of religion 
occurred and from that time to 
the close of the year Mr. Spaulding 
gave his time wholly to the work in this place. 

At the close of the Conference of June, 1827, Fall River first ap- 
peared in the list of appointments and Edward T. Taylor was assigned 
to the charge. There were about 
one hundred members in the so- 
ciety at this time. An effort was 
made immediately to provide a suit- 
able house of worship and on 
Christmas of 1827 the first church 
was dedicated. This was located 
in Central Street. Mr. Taylor con- 
tinued with the church until De- 
cember, 1828, when he removed to 
Boston and assumed charge of the 
Mariners’ Bethel, in that city, a 
position which he held for more 
than forty years and in which he 
won a world-wide fame. 

The young society enjoyed a growing prosperity until the latter 
part of 1832, when a tragedy occurred which was a severe blow for 
Methodism in all this vicinity. The pastor of the church at Bristol was 
suspected of the murder of a young woman whose dead body was 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


65 


found in Fall River. He was acquitted in court, but as a consequence 
of the affair an intense and violent prejudice against Methodism was 
created from which it suffered for a long period. Many withdrew 
from the church and congregation. Revivals replenished the num- 
bers, however, and in a few years a more commodious place of wor- 
ship in a better location became a necessity. A new church, erected 
on the site now occupied, was dedicated February 12, 1840, by Rev. 
Orange Scott, during the pastorate of Phineas Crandall. This build- 
ing was consumed by fire, in a conflagration which destroyed a large 
part of the business section of the city, Julv 2, 1843. The pastor. 




WILLIAM E. GOFF. WILLIAM S. DAVIS. 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

Thomas Ely, applied himself with great energy and perseverance to 
the task of rebuilding, and on April 3, 1844, the present structure was 
dedicated. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. Charles 
K. True. 

In the winter of 1849-50, while Daniel Wise was pastor, the emi- 
nent evangelist, Rev. James Caughey, labored with the church about 
three months. At the ensuing Conference three hundred and forty- 
nine members and two hundred and one probationers were reported. 
The congregation had become so large that it was impossible to accom- 
modate the people with sittings, and it was decided to rent a hall, 
divide the congregation and ask for two preachers from the Con- 
ference. Accordingly Mr. Wise was returned and Elijah T. Fletcher 
was made his associate. The two preachers alternated in preaching, 
each serving both congregations every Sabbath. During the year 
the second society was organized, and thus originated St. Paul's 
Church. The two societies worked in perfect harmony, recognizing 


66 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


the little river that flows through the center of the city as the line 
of division between the two parishes. 

During the pastorate of Frederick Upham funds were secured for 
the building of an organ, which was placed in the church in Jung, 
1853, just after Mr. Upham’s term of service had expired. In 1863, 
while Henry Baylies was pastor, a house on South Main Street was 
purchased for a parsonage. After being used for this purpose ten 
years the property was sold and the present parsonage was built on 
Ridge Street. In the same year and during the pastorate of S. L. 
Gracey, the space between the church and the sidewalk was utilized 
by erecting two stores, connected with the front of the church, thus 
making the structure in part a business block. The trustees were 
led to this action by the increasing value of land in the vicinity and 
the great demand for rents for business purposes. In 1891, while 
Walter J. Yates was pastor, the church was extensively renovated, the 
vestries being practically rebuilt, new rooms added, and the front of 
the building so reconstructed as to contain four larger stores instead 
of the two small ones that had previously been available. 

Throughout its history this has been eminently a “revival” 
church. Outpourings of the Divine Spirit resulting in large additions 
to the membership have been frequent, while scarcely a pastoral term 
has passed in which considerable numbers have not been added to the 
church. During several of the pastorates the accessions have ranged 
between seventy-five and one hundred and fifty, and in some of them 
more than the larger of these numbers have been received. 


PASTORS. 


1827-28. Edward T. Taylor 

1829 Ebenezer Blake 

1830 Daniel Webb 
*83 1-32. Ira M. Bidwell 
lS 33-34- Squire B. Haskell 
I ?35~3^ Mark Staple 
1837 Hector Brownson 
1838-39. Phineas Crandall 
1840-41. Isaac Bonney 
1842-43. Thomas Ely 
1844 George F. Pool 
1845-46. James D. Butler 

1 <847-48. David Patten 

1849 Daniel Wise 

1850 Daniel Wise and Eli- 

jah T. Fletcher 
1851-52. Frederick Upham 
1 853-54. Elisha B. Bradford 
1855-56. John Howson 


i 857~58. Thomas Ely 
1859-60. Andrew McKeown 
1861-62. . Charles H. Payne 
1863-64. Henry Baylies 
1865-66. Joseph H. James 
1867-69. John D. King 
1870-72. Alfred A. Wright 
1873 Samuel L. Gracey 
1874-76. Ensign McChesney 
1877-78. Watson L. Phillips 
1879-81. William T. Worth 
1882 Warren A. Luce 
1883-85. Dwight A. Jordan 
1886 Alfred E. Drew 
1887-88. Archibald McCord 
1889-91. Walter J. Yates 
1892-95. Warren A. Luce 
1896-97. Stephen O. Benton. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


67 

In this connection it should be stated that E. T. Taylor removed 
to the Mariners’ Bethel, Boston, in December, 1828, and Ebenezer 

Blake and others supplied until the 
next session of Conference; Mark 
Staples failed in health January, 1837, 
and Jesse Fillmore, a local preacher, 
was in charge from February until the 
ensuing Conference; Henry Baylies 
was transferred to a western Confer- 
ence in the autumn of 1864, and J. H. 
James, then a member of the New 
Jersey Conference, who had just left a 
chaplaincy in the army, finished out 
the year and at its close was trans- 
ferred to this Conference; Warren A. 
Luce was compelled by impaired 
health to relinquish his pulpit in the 
summer of 1882, and Sidney Dean 
supplied to the end of the year. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — William H. Holt, Thomas Waring, Benjamin F. Davis, 
William H. Harrison, William Thorpe, George A. Mathewson, John 
R. Butterworth, George Cook. 

Stewards — William S. Davis, Benjamin F. Davis, George A. 
Mathewson, William C.Snow, Joseph Harrison, William Y. McMullen, 
Alexander J. Dennis, John R. Butterworth, Everett E. Tripp, George 
Cook, William B. Garlick. 

Class Leader — William H. Holt. 

Exliorter — George Scholes. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, William E. Goff; Assistant 
Superintendent, Samuel Wood; Secretary, Lewis A. Woodland; 
Asst. Secretary, John Dreghorn; Treasurer, George A. Mathew- 
son; Librarian, Laughlin W. McFarland; Assistants, Frank Linley, 
Frank Coombs, Robert Thompson, Leslie Laflin; Primary Superin- 
tendent, Mrs. Lucy Fothergill; Primary Secretary and Librarian, 
Edith Whitehead; Kindergarten Superintendent, Hattie L. Stebbins; 
Assistant, Lucy E. Fothergill; Home Department Superintendent, 
Mary N. Adams. 

Teachers — Lizzie M. Grinnell, Lavinia Lawrence, William H.. 
Holt, Mrs. Andrew Borden, Mrs. Robert Baillie, Wm. McLeod, Mrs. 
Elisha F. White, William C. Snow, Lizzie Sidebotham, Mrs. Walter 
W. Mason, Mrs. Samuel Wood, Mrs. George W. Angell, John Moore, 



REV. S. O. BENTON. 



68 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Mrs. Mary J. Bailey, Mrs. William Thorpe, Eva M. Benton, Mrs. 
Kezia E. Sutcliffe, Wright Turner, Mrs. Charles E. Hentershee, Wil- 
liam S. Davis, George Cook, Sarah J. Howarth, Peter Nelson, Josie 
A. Anderson, Annie L. Dickinson, Lavinia Reynolds, Mary N. 
Adams, Mrs. John Moore, Sadie M. Nelson, Mrs. Alfred Clarkson, 
Ruth Thackeray, Helen Smith, Lottie Mitchell, Annabel Woodland, 
Edwin F. Sharp. 

Epworth League — President, Wm. S. Davis; First Vice-President, 
Miss Lizzie Sidebotham, Second Vice-President, Miss Mary N. 
Adams, Third Vice-President, Mrs. Samuel Wood; Fourth Vice- 
President, Albert E. Vaughan; Secretary, Wright Turner; Treasurer, 
Miss Edith M. Sidaway. 


NORTH M. E. CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. 

The North M. E. Church, like many others, had its beginning in 
Sunday School work. The records show that June 12, 1852, a meet- 
ing of the M. E. Sunday School of Steep Brook was held. John 
Haskell was chosen Superintendent and J. B. Ashley Secretary pro 
tern, and a committee of three was chosen to prepare a Constitution 
and By-laws for the school. On January 3, 1853, at a meeting held 
the following resolution was offered by J. T. Wilson: “Whereas the 

merits of our society require a 
more convenient place to hold 
their Sunday School (having met 
until now in the Steep Brook 
schoolhouse) and religious meet- 
ings: Voted that we choose a 
committee to investigate said 
subject, and take all necessary 
preliminary measures to carry the 
same into effect.” 

John Haskell, R. H. Allen and 
F. A. Hathaway were said com- 
mittee. In February, 1853, a 
meeting of the stockholders was 
held and the secretary reported 
that the Sunday school that began 
in the schoolhouse about nine months before, had an attendance of 116 
scholars and teachers, with an average attendance of sixty during the 
year. 

At this session they voted to invite the Second M. E. Church of 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


69 


Pall River to send some one to take charge of the school. The request 
was granted and John Haskell came and discharged the duties of 
Superintendent with success to the school and satisfaction to all. 

The record goes on to say that “in a few more Sabbaths we hope 
for a more suitable place to worship in, and also that we shall have a 
minister sent to us.” 

The second annual meeting was held April 6, 1854, and this meet- 
ing seems to have been held in the new church. David Patten, D. D., 
was Presiding Elder of the Providence District at this time, and 
preached the dedicatory sermon. 


PASTORS. 


1854 O. N. Brooks 

1855 J. N. Colyer 

1856 J. Shepley 

1 857-58. P. Cranston 
1859-60. Supplied 
1861 A. G. Gurner 
1862-63. G. H. Winchester 

1864 B. Ashley 

1865 J. Gifford 
1866-68. J. Q. Adams 
1869-70. J. G. Gammons 
1871-72. Philip Crandon 
1873-75. R. W. C. Farnsworth 


1876-77. E. G. Babcock 
1878-79. G. H. Lamson 
1880-81. A. J. Coultas 
1882 A. J. Church 
1883-85. J. G. Gammons 
1886-87. E. G. Babcock 
1888-89. J* A. Rood 
1890-91. O. E. Johnson 

1892 J. Livesey 

1893 S. T. Patterson 

1894 W. Ridington 
1895 — A. Anderson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — R. Allen, D. Lown, F. M. Shaw, J. Wood, J. Lewin, 
W. B. Ashley, J. Shaw, P. Wilbur, R. Parlow. 

Stewards — R. Allen, D. Lown, C. Davenport, G. Hathaway, 
W. B. Ashley, J. Shaw, J. Lewin. 

Sunday School — J. Shaw, Superintendent; R. Brown, Assistant 
Superintendent, H. Hathaway, Secretary; B. Ashley, Treasurer; A. 
'Childs, Librarian. 

Epworth League — President, Pastor; Vice-President, E. Simmons; 
Secretary and Treasurer, R. Brown. 



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QUARRY ST. M. E. CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. 

On Sunday, November 21 st, 1869, the following notice was given 
in the First Methodist Church, and also in St. Paul’s: “All who feel 
an interest in establishing a Methodist Mission Sunday School on the 
cross-road leading from the head of Bedford Street to Pleasant Street, 



QUARRY STREET CHURCH. 

are requested to meet in vestry No. 2 of the First M. E. Church on 
Wednesday evening, the 24th, at a quarter to 8 o’clock.” 

In accordance with the above notice, the following persons as- 
sembled at the above time and place: Rev. J. D. King and Messrs. 
J. D. Flint, James Ashton, James Hunter, Charles Brett, Wm. J. 
Waring, S. W. Copeland, D. W. Baldwin, and Miss Alice Alty, of the 
First Church; also, Rev. F. J. Wagner and Messrs. Iram Smith, 
Lafayette Nichols, Adoniram J. Marble, Edward M. Pierce, Leroy 
Sargent and James E. McCreery, of St. Paul’s Church. 

Rev. J. D. King opened the meeting with prayer. He was 
then chosen chairman of the meeting. After debate, it was unani- 
mously voted to establish a Mission Sunday School in accordance 
with the notice given. 

A building committee was elected, with instructions to report 
plans and estimates, the sense of the meeting being that a building 
to seat three hundred would be large enough. 

At a meeting held December 6, 1869, it was voted to build a house 
not to exceed $4,000 in cost. 

March 4th, 1870, it was reported that $2,400 had been sub- 
scribed. March nth, 1870, Rev. J. D. King reported that he had 
received from the First Church Sunday School $185. At this meet- 
ing Trustees were elected. 

Several meetings were held during the year, at which the progress 



72 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


of the work was reported. Rev. A. A. Wright had meanwhile been 
appointed as Pastor of the First Church, and Rev. E. J. Haynes to 
St. Paul’s. These brethren showed great interest in the new church, 
and the supplying of the pulpit was left in their hands until the 
appointment of a regular pastor was made. 

The new church building was dedicated September 28, 1870. It 
had been decided September 7th to name the organization “The 
Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Society.” 

The cost of the church edifice was about $5,500, and at the time 
of dedication there was left a debt of about $2,000. The church was 



REV. H. A. RIDGWAY. 


MRS. H. A. RIDGWAY. 


organized September 28, 1870, the day of dedication, with seven full 
members and one probationer. The first to join the church from 
probation were received May 7th, 1871. There were twenty-one. 
Of this number only three remain — Caroline Goss, Sarah E. Booth 
and Jane Hunter. Of the seven original members none remain 
members of the church. The senior member is Mrs. Ellen Bowler. 

The Quarterly Conference of the Quarry Street Methodist Epis- 
copal Church was organized December 2, 1870, in the counting room 
of L. Nichols & Co., Rev. Dr. Brown, Presiding Elder of the Fall 
River District, being chairman of the meeting. Cornelius Hargraves 
was appointed class leader, and confirmed as Sunday School superin- 
tendent at this first Quarterly Conference. He held the position until 
the election of Mr. Wm. J. Waring in 1873. Mr. Waring held the 
position until 1895, with the exception of a part of one year, when Mr. 
Richard Shovelton occupied the place. 

In 1895 Edward Goss was elected superintendent, and has served 
ever since. Brother Goss is one of Quarry Street’s young men, he 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


73 




having been a member of the school since his boyhood. He is deserv- 
edly popular, and has the universal esteem of all who know him. 
The school is in a prosperous condition, numbering over 300 mem- 
bers. For the Conference year of 1896-7 it had the largest average 

attendance of any Methodist school in 
Fall River. We have a faithful band 
of officers and teachers, and with 
larger and more convenient accom- 
modations the school would grow in 
the future. 

The Epworth League was organized 
by Rev. F. L. Brooks. The nominal 
membership was very large because 
of its novelty and the absence of re- 
strictions or of obligations. The 
League, however, under the leader- 
ship of Mr. Brooks did splendid ser- 
vice in the various branches of its 
work. The membership is not as large 
at present, it having been found neces- 
sary to revise the list of mem- 
bership and impose some obliga- 
tions upon the members. The 
young people of the church and 
League are loyal and intelligent, 
many of them earnest Chris- 
tians. 

The children of the church are 
organized into classes, Miss Ade- 
line Townsend and Miss M. 

Emma Ross having charge of the 
same. Miss M. Emma Ross is 
the deaconess who works in con- 
nection with this church, living at 
the Fall River Deaconesses’ 

Home. Her ministrations among 
the poor and needy are blessed 
of God in winning some to Christ, 
and her work among the children 
and young people is of great 
help. 

In 1875, during the term of Rev. 

R. Povey, the parsonage was 
built. Rev. J. C. Gowan succeeded in raising the debt on the church 


WM. J. WARING. 
Class Leader, 1873-95. 


0 


EDWARD GOSS. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


74 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


property. Rev. F. L. Brooks was successful in having alterations 
and improvements made, at an expense of about $3,000. Most of 
this was paid during his pastorate. A comparatively small amount 
left over has since been paid. There is at present no debt on. the 
property. 

The parsonage of the Quarry Street Church has just been re- 
paired and renovated, at a cost of between two and three hundred 


dollars. 


PASTORS. 


1871. 

William Livesey 

1883. 

John C. Gowan 

1872. 

C. W. Warren 

1 884-86. 

John D. King 

1873-74- 

S. M. Beal 

1887-88. 

George M. Hamlen 

1875- 

Richard Povey 

I889-9I. 

B. K. Bosworth 

1876. 

E. D. Hall 

I892-94. 

F. L. Brooks 

1877-79. 

1880-82. 

Henry H. Martin 
James H. Nutting 

1895 — 

H. A. Ridgway 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Benj. Palmer, Bethel Booth, Joseph Bridges, Alfred 
Hanson, Thomas Ashton, John Goss. 

Stewards — Edward Goss, John Burgess, John Burne, Wm. Rat- 
cliffe, Joseph Bridges, Miss Nancy Kershaw, Mrs. Esther Coolidge, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Goss, Mrs. Jeannette McAlpine, Miss Clara Sampson, 
Miss Alice Sampson, John Goss (R. S. and Treas.). 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Edward Goss. Assistant Super- 
intendent, Thomas Ashton. Secretary, James Walmsley. Assistant 
Secretary, Joseph Barker. Librarian, Jaspar Adams. Assistant 
Librarian, Joseph Ratcliffe. 

Teachers — Mrs. Minnie Goss, Miss Clara Sampson, Miss M. 
Emma Ross, Edward Goss, John Goss, Edward Vinecombe, Miss 
Nancy Kershaw, Miss Alice Sampson, Mrs. Sarah Booth, Mrs. Anna 
M. Ridgway, Miss Eleanor Holden, Mrs. Elizabeth Goss, Miss Ade- 
line Townend, Mrs. Eliza Waring, Mrs. Selena Shaw, Miss Ursie Cav- 
alier, Mrs. Mary Nabb, H. A. Ridgway, William Christophers, Mrs. 
Sarah Christophers, Miss Annie Raynes. 

Primary Department — Superintendent, Miss Annie Ashton. As- 
sistant, Miss Esther Raynes. 

Epworth League — President, H. A. Ridgway. First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Miss Adeline Townend. Second Vice-President, Miss Lizzie 
M. Ratcliffe. Third Vice-President, Miss Nancy Kershaw. Fourth 
Vice-President, Miss Jennie Coe. Secretary, Miss Alice Sampson. 
Treasurer, Joseph Ratcliffe. 


ST. PAUL’S M. E. CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. 

By Irarn N. Smith. 

During the winter commencing with December, 1849, the pastor 
of the old First Church, Fall River (Rev. Daniel Wise), was assisted 
in special services by Rev. Janies Caughey, evangelist. Their joint 
efforts were blessed abundantly, and two hundred converts were gath- 



pastors alternated in preaching, 
every Sunday. 


ered in. At the following Con- 
ference (1850), three hundred and 
forty-nine members were re- 
ported, besides two hundred and 
one on probation. The church 
edifice having been found en- 
tirely inadequate for the congre- 
gation, many who desired pews 
being unable to secure them, it 
had been decided to form a sec- 
ond congregation, and to ask the 
Conference for an additional 
preacher. Accordingly, Rev. 
Elijah T. Fletcher was appointed 
as associate with Mr. Wise for 
the year ensuing. A hall was se- 
cured on Main Street, a new 
Sabbath School was estab- 
lished and regular Sabbath 
preaching was begun. The two 
each addressing both congregations 


ORGANIZATION. 

On April 20, 1851, one hundred and twenty-three members of the 
First Church, having withdrawn by letter, organized as the Second 
M. E. Church, with Rev. Ralph W. Allen as regularly appointed pas- 
tor. The preaching services were held for a time in Liberty Hall, the 
upper story of a brick building on the south side of Pocasset Street, 
the lower story being occupied by a bowling alley. A part of the site 
is now occupied by the Daily Herald building. This hall soon became 
too small for the increasing congregation, and Union Hall was en- 
gaged, an upper story of a wooden building then located on the north- 
west corner of North Main and Bank Streets. The spot is now occu- 
pied by the First National Bank building. The first service was held 
here in July, 1851. While occupying Union Hall the church had as 





76 SOUVENIR HISTORY. 

chorister and organist, Eben Tourjee, who* was then the proprietor 
of a small music store on North Main Street, but who was afterwards 


widely known as the founder of the New England Conservatory of 
Music, of Boston. 


CHURCH EDIFICE. 

The subject of a church edifice was brought up at the First 
Quarterly Conference, May 7, 1851, Rev. Thos. Ely, Presiding Elder. 


It was decided to build, and a committee was appointed to secure 
subscriptions. On August 4th, 1851, in Union Hall, the Church or- 
ganized as a corporation, with the name of “St. Paul’s M. E. Society 
of Fall River.” September 1 Iram Smith reported, for the trustees. 


ST. PAUL’S CHURCH (Interior). 


MRS. J. H. MacDONALD. 


REV. J. H. MacDONALD. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


77 

that the lot on Bank Street had been purchased from Oliver Chace 
for $2,303.17. (This lot was then occupied by a bowling alley.) Sep- 
tember 18 a plan for a house of worship was accepted and placed 



WILLIAM S. GREENE. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


GEORGE W. PENNIMAN. 
Epworth League President. 



in the hands of a building committee, consisting of Wm. Mason, 
Iram Smith, Elisha D. Hathaway, Wm. H. Mason, Oliver H. Bush, 
Henry Pratt, Mervin R. Chace, Benj. P. Cunningham and David P. 



CHARLES E. CASE, Layman. 



R. C. BROWN, Layman. 


Davis. On July 4th, 1852, the lecture room was occupied, and on 
November 10th, the church, having cost $16,000, was dedicated. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. Daniel Wise. 




78 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


IMPROVEMENTS AND PROGRESS. 

In 1856, during the pastorate of Rev. Micah J. Talbot, $5,000 
was paid on the church debt. In 1864, in the second pastorate of 
Rev. Samuel C. Brown, the building was enlarged to its present seat- 
ing capacity of 800, having cost up to that date $24,000. The re-dedi- 
cation services occurred November 24, 1864, Rev. R. M. Hatfield of 
Brooklyn preaching the sermon. Ten years later, during the pastor- 
ate of Rev. Geo. E. Reed, class rooms were added at the rear of the 
church and other improvements were made, at an expense of $3,000. 
At the same time, through the efforts and liberality of Organist Wm. 
J. Hathaway and others, a magnificent organ was put in, at an ex- 




pense of about $5,000. I11 1879, under the skillful direction of Rev, 

R. H. Rust, pastor, who was especially aided by the very great lib- 
erality of Mr. Leroy Sargent, the church debt ($7,000) was paid. 
In April, 1897, the trustees obtained, mostly by purchase (a few being 
donated) all the pews owned by individuals, and the corporation (so- 
ciety) was dissolved. This desirable result was due very largely to 
the untiring efforts of Rev. A. J. Coultas, the retiring pastor, as he 
closed his five years’ pastorate. The trustees now hold a beautiful 
church edifice and a comfortable parsonage, the latter valued at 
$5,000. 

REVIVALS AND CHURCH WORK. 

The most notable revivals in the history of the church have been 
as follows: 1857-58, pastorate of Samuel C. Brown; 1863, pastorate 
of J. A. M. Chapman; 1871, pastorate of Emory J. Haynes; 1873-74, 
pastorate of Geo. E. Reed; 1879, pastorate of R. H. Rust, when Pen- 
tecost and Stebbins were in the city. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


79 


St. Paul’s Church has aided greatly in the establishment of the 
four M. E. Churches which have been organized in the city since this 



H. H. MILLER. 
Ex-President Epworth League. 


one. Its members have contributed 
financially, have joined the member- 
ship, and some of its officials have 
even served for some years on the 
boards of the new organizations. The 
Deconess Home of this city owes its 
origin and its support very largely to 
the members of St. Paul’s. In benev- 
olent collections it has contributed 
$21,000 to missions (including $1,016 
in the year 1864), and $23,000 to the 
other church benevolences. The 
total number who have been members 
of our church is 1,376. The present 
membership is 400. 


PASTORS. 

1892-96. A. J. Coultas 
3:897 — J. H. MacDonald 



1851-52. Ralph W. Allen 
1:853-54. John Hobart 
1:855-56. Micah J. Talbot 
i 857~58. Samuel C. Brown 
1:859-60. John B. Gould 
1861-62. J. A. M. Chapman 
1863-64. Samuel C. Brown 
1865 Alfred A. Wright 
1866-67. Geo. A. Bowler 
1868-69. Francis J. Wagner 
1870-71. Emory J. Haynes 
1872-74. Geo. E. Reed 
1 875-76. Geo. W. Woodruff 
1877-79. R- H. Rust 
1880-81. C. W. Gallagher 
1882-84. E. M. Taylor 
1885-86. H. D. Kimball 
1887-88. J. C. Hull St. PAUL’S PARSONAGE. 

1889-91. J. M. Williams 

It is worthy of mention that of all our ex-pastors, one only is 
now preaching in this Conference. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Charles E. Case, Robert C. Brown, Wm. S. Greene, 
James E. McCreery, Thos. F. Vickery, Iram N. Smith, Henry W. 
Davis, M. V. B. Benson, Frank B. Akin. 


8o 


SOUVENIR HISTORY . 


Stewards — Vernon Wade, A. F. Shove, A. L. Luther, Wm. F- 
Winter, Wm. H. Simmons, Frank B. Albro, Dr. S. W. Gibbs, H. BL 
Miller, Wm. H. Goss, Jas. Hunter, Chas. H. Cook, John H. Douglass, 
Ellery C. Davis. 

Class Leaders — Jos. Wood, Dr. R. J. Thompson, A. J. Marble, 
Geo. W. Hadcock. 

Local Preacher — L. M. Fisher. 

Sunday School — Has enrolled 45 teachers and 476 scholars. Su- 
perintendent, Wm. S. Greene; First Assistant Superintendent, A. J. 
Marble; Second Assistant Superintendent, A. F. Shove; Secretary, 
Chas. E. Brightman; Treasurer, Geo. K. Brown; Librarian, Harry 
Howland. 

Epworth League — The Epworth League, established in the pas- 
torate of Rev. H. D. Kimball, and now numbering 160 members, has 
the following officers: President, George W. Penniman; First Vice- 
President, H. H. Miller; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Kate M. Coop- 
er; Third Vice-President, Arthur W. Smith; Treasurer, Miss Carrie 
Hunter; Secretary, Miss Edna S. Negus. 


SUMMERFIELD M. E. CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. 

Summerfield is the youngest of the six M. E. churches in Fall 
River, having been organized May 9, 1875, with eight members and 
nine probationers. It was the outgrowth of a movement begun by 

the “Fall River Praying 
Band,” an organization 
connected with the other 
M. E. churches of the 
city. On the evening of 
April 20, 1874, this band 
held a meeting “for the 
consideration of making 
some movement for the 
spreading of the gospel 
truth and saving of the 
perishing, especially in 
those parts of the city 
where the people were 
without church privi- 
leges.” An invitation to 
hold a prayer meeting 
at the home of Mr. John Wood, near the Narragansett mill, was ac- 
cepted. It was attended by only four persons besides the family of 
Mr. Wood. At a second meeting the attendance was greatly in- 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


81 


creased, and the spiritual power was so marked that it was decided 
to continue the meetings in this vicinity. Sinners were converted and 
backsliders reclaimed. On the evening of May 18, 1874, Rev. 
George E. Reed, pastor of St. Paul's, organized a class, appointing 



SUMMERFIELD PARSONAGE. 


Mr. Edward F. Anthony, leader. Sabbath services began to be held 
June 14, 1874, in a hall belonging to Mechanics mill, which were 
well attended. In the early fall a movement was made to secure a 
permanent place of worship. Messrs. A. J. Marble and C. W. An- 



REY. L. M. FLOCKEN. MRS. L. M. FLOCKEN. 


thony were appointed a committee to look for a suitable location. A 
lot was given, on the corner of North Main and Terry Streets. Suffi- 
cient money having been pledged to insure success, a meeting of the 
subscribers was called on the evening of September 9. Rev. George 



82 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


E. Reed was chosen chairman. C. W. Anthony, A. J. Marble, G. F. 
Hathaway, D. M. Pierce and C. F. Copeland were elected trustees 
and authorized to proceed with the erection of a chapel. On the 
24th of January, 1875, the upper vestry was opened, and the Sunday 
School organized, with forty-four members. The services of Mr. 
John Hull were secured to canvass the neighborhood. The children 
responded to his invitation in such numbers that ampler quarters 
were soon needed, and the school was moved into the auditorium. It 
was now thought best to secure a pastor. Dr. W. V. Morrison, P. E., 
was consulted with regard to stationing a Conference minister. Ac- 
cordingly, Rev. W. B. Heath was appointed at the annual Conference 
held in New Bedford in April. The pastorate of Mr. Heath, ably 
assisted by his wife and now sainted mother, was very successful, and 


ELISHA H. SMALL. 

Epworth League President. 

the new enterprise became a thriving and prosperous church. It was 
dedicated June 24, 1875, by Bishop Isaac W. Wiley, who preached 
from John xii., 19. Twice in this early period was the devoted little 
band stricken with bereavement, by the death, first, in August, 1874, 
of a Mrs. Winslow, an elderly lady who had taken a deep interest 
from the beginning; and, second, on March 17, 1875, of an esteemed 
lady, the wife of Royal B. Luther. Both passed away suddenly but 
in great peace of mind. 

The first name of the church was the “Terry Street M. E.” In 
1878 it was removed to the corner of North Main and Hood Streets, 
a most desirable location on North Park. It was then called the 
North Main Street M. E. Church.” During the summer of 1883 
the building was raised, enlarged, and a capacious vestry put under- 




JAMES HARGRAVES. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


83 

neath. The name was again changed to “Park M. E. Church.” Rev. 
Geo. E. Fuller was then pastor. In 1890 a troublesome debt, which 
had hung over the church for some time, was lifted through the heroic 

The name was changed to “Summer- 
field,” in honor of the Rev. John 
Summerfield, so famous for eloquence 
in Methodist annals. The Hon. John 
S. Brayton presented the church 
with a life-sized portrait of the re- 
nowned Summerfield, elegantly 
framed. Through Mr. Dyson’s ef- 
forts, in 1891, a commodious parson- 
age was erected, valued at $2,600, on 
which there is still an indebtedness of 
$1,100. The church edifice is valued 
at $12,000, and is free from debt. 
Among the donors and helpers that 
made the church a possibility, there 
are many worthy examples, the most 
notable being A. J. Marble, first Sun- 
day School Superintendent, Charles 

The esprit de corps of Summerfield may be said to have been 
the revival spirit. In all the pastorates this has been manifest to a 
greater or less degree, and there have been large accessions. This is 
necessary for the church to hold its own in the midst of a floating pop- 
ulation such as is here found. The most notable revivals, however, 
occurred in the pastorates of Rev. Geo. E. Fuller and Rev. M. S. 
Kaufman, Mrs. M. N. Vancott, the noted lady evangelist, rendering 
valuable assistance in each. In the present pastorate the church was 
visited by a gracious revival during the month of January, 1897. An 
Epworth League, organized in the fall of 1896, with a membership 
of seventy, is working in all the departments. A Junior League, 
formed three years ago by Miss Nellie Olson, deaconess, is now doing 
good work under the management of Mrs. Sadie R. Griffin, the present 
deaconess, with a membership of forty-five. A Young Men’s Mutual 
Improvement Society, which has been connected with the church 
for several years, is very helpful, maintaining, as it does, a lyceum 
and reading room. A circle of King’s Daughters has proven itself 
helpful, as has also the ever indispensable “Ladies’ Social.” 

The present enrollment of the church is 190 members and eight 
probationers. That of the Sunday School is 300. 


efforts of Rev. R. D. Dyson. 



GEORGE WHITTAKER, 
President Board of Trustees. 


W. Anthony and R. S. Reed. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


§4 


PASTORS. 


1875-78. 

1878- 79. 

1879- 82. 

1882- 83. 

1883- 85. 


Wm. B. Heath 
J. F. Sheffield 


Eben Tirrell, Jr. 
E. F. Smith 


1885-88. M. S. Kaufman 
1888-90. James Tregaskis 
1890-94. Robert D. Dyson 
1894-96. Edwin F. Jones 


George E. Fuller 


1896 — Louis M. Flocken ‘ 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — George Whittaker, Chas. W. Anthony, S. R. Vestall, 
Edward M. Palmer, Elisha H. Small, Wm. Squires, James Howard, 
James Hargraves. 

Stewards — John Tallman, Wm. Squires, David H. Manchester, 
Edward Dumas, James Hargraves, Thomas Whomby, Howarth Tay- 
lor, Fred Buffinton, Alex. Steen, H. B. Hilton. 

Class Leaders — Edward Quarmby, Horden Howard, Howarth 
Taylor. 

Deaconess — Sadie R. Griffin. 

Sunday School — James Hargraves, Superintendent; Wm. Squires, 
Assistant Superintendent; Mrs. Abbie Lant, Superintendent of Pri- 
mary Department; Adah Buffinton and Sarah Illsley, Assistants; 
Henry B. Hilton, Secretary and Treasurer; H. Buffinton and J. Dear- 
den, Assistant Treasurers; Nelson Dumas, Librarian; Wm. Squires, 
Jr., Assistant Librarian; Malvie H. Goff, Organist; Mamie Whitta- 
ker, Assistant Organist; Fred Buffinton, Chorister. 

Teachers — Mrs. Emma Orton, Viola Gifford, Sadie Vestall, Sarah 
Wffiittaker, Faith Waterworth, Sarah Waterworth, Mrs. L. M. Flocken, 
Rose Howard, Mrs. Mary Whittaker, Jennie Dumas, S. R. Griffin, 
Malvie H. Goff, Howarth Taylor, Mary Nowell, James Howard, Ed- 
ward Quarmby, Edward Atherton, Lizzie Peacock, Edward Dumas. 

Epworth League — Elisha H. Small, President; Howarth Taylor, 
First Vice-President; S. R. Griffin, Second Vice-President; 
Thomas Whomby, Third Vice-President; Nelson Dumas, Fourth 
Vice-President; Rose Howard, Secretary; Sarah Whittaker, Treasurer. 


M. E. CHURCH, FALMOUTH, MASS. 

By a Friend of the Church. 

The first mention in the records of the church bearing the name 
"“Methodist Episcopal,” is in 1809. Those of that faith were few, but 
through the labors of Rev. Erastus Otis, a society was gathered, which 
in 1811 was incorporated as the Methodist Society of Falmouth and 



THE FALMOUTH CHURCH. 


Sandwich. Methodism came into Falmouth two years before this. 
The first meeting was held January 8, 1807, in the house of Captain 
Stephen Swift. Dr. Hugh G. Donaldson was a pioneer in the faith; 




B. B. KING, 

President Board of Trustees. 


MRS. JAMES H. JONES, 
Junior League Superintendent. 


liis death occurred in 1812. Of these early meetings no record was 
3 cept. 

The meeting for incorporation was held in Pocasset in June, 1811. 


86 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


A meeting-house was erected that year, near the cemetery, east of 
Falmouth village. In 1829 Wm. Nye deeded to the society a half 
acre of land near the central portion of the village, to which the 
church was removed in 1848. During the pastorate of Rev. E. D. 
Trakey it was taken down and the present church building was built 
on the same site. 

The old church has enjoyed prosperity and endured adversity. 
Her ranks have grown thin, and again and again been replenished 
by gracious revivals. During the pastorate of W. H. Stetson, in 
1852, an extensive revival rewarded his faithful work. It was at that 
time that Rev. Dr. G. M. Hamlen, then a young man, gave himself 



to the Lord. A few are living and have remained faithful, but “some 
have fallen asleep.” Children have gone out from the fold and built 
homes for themselves — West Falmouth in 1857, East Falmouth in 
1859, Woods Hole in 1884. It gave to the ministry Rev. C. T. 
Hatch, and can claim with other scattered children some of our min- 
isters’ wives — of later years, the wives of Rev. J. M. Taber and of Rev. 
E. W. Eldredge. A revival during the pastorate of Rev. H. W. 
Hamblin, a local preacher, gave to the church a few faithful ones 
who stand to-day as witnesses of God’s power to save. 

Larger and more desirable churches rather overshadow this little 
church, but notwithstanding, it has ever possessed a “faithful few” 
who have made the church one of the strongest centres of spiritual 
power in the town. Many members in the other churches date their 
conversions to the little Methodist Church on Main Street. The old- 
est member living is Mrs. T. G. McLane, 80 years of age, standing on 
the “border land,” a witness for the Master. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


8 7 


This sketch would hardly be complete without reference to Mr. 
B. B. King, who has been one of the financial and spiritual pillars of 
this church through many long years of conflict and victory. 

Through the perseverance and help of Rev. J. E. Blake, during 
his pastorate in 1895, a chapel addition was built costing $1,000. Much 
credit is due Dr. A. T. Walker and B. B. King for help rendered at 
that time. The present value of the church property is $5,000. 

PASTORS. ‘ 


1809-10. 

1811. 

1812. 

1813. 

1814. 

1815-16. 

1817. 

1818. 

1819. 

1820. 
1821-22. 

1823. 

1824. 

1825. 

1825. 

1826. 

1827. 

1828. 

1829. 

1830. 

1831. 

1832. 

1833- 

1834. 

1835. 

1836. 

1837- 

1838. 

1839. 

1840. 
1841-42. 

1843- 

1844. 

1844. 

1845- 

1847. 

1848. 

1849- 


Erastus Otis 
and B. F. Lombard 
Stephen Bailev 
J. A. Merrill ' 

511 Abner Clark 
Wm. Frost 
and T. C. Pierce 
J. W. Hardy 
Shipley W. Wilson 
Benj. Keith 
Talman Stuart 
Edward T. Taylor 
Nathan Paine 
Joseph Allen 
Frederick N. Upham 
E. Otis 
J. Hutchinson 
Jotham Haven 
Benj. Hazleton 
Aaron Summers 
Laroy Sunderland 

N. S. Spaulding 
Charles Richardson 
Amos Binney 
George Stone 
Abram Holway 

J. B. Brown 
Salmon Hull 
Thomas Ely 
Otis Wilder 
Samuel W. Coggeshall 
Henry H. Smith 

O. Robbins 
Lewis Bates 
Wm. Turkington 
B. L. Sayer 
Hebron Vincent 
Ed. Trakey 

P. T. Kenney 
J. F. Blanchard 


REV. R. H. SCHUETT. 

1850. B. Otheman 

1851. J. Macreading 

1851. W. Stetson 

1852. W. Stetson 

3.853. John Livesey 
: 854-55- Daniel Webb 
3:856-57. J. E. Gifford 
1859-60. G. S. Alexander 
1861-62. E. K. Colby 

1863-64. J. B. Washburn 
1867-68. A. B. Wheeler 
1870. E. S. Fletcher 

1873. C. G. Deming 

1874. G. H. Winchester 

1875-76. H. W. Hamblin 
1879. W. I. Ward 

1879. W. L. D. Twombly 




88 

SOUVENIR HISTORY. 

1880. 

D. J. Griffin 

1888. 

C. K. Jenness 

1881. 

W. C. Helt 

1889-90. 

H. C. Scripps 

1882. 

J. M. Taber 

1891. 

R. S. Moore 

1883. 

Thomas Sims 

1892-93. 

F. L. Streeter 

1884. 

T. A. Johnstone 

1894-95. 

J. E. Blake 

1885. 

Percy Perinchief 

1896. 

C. N. Hinkley 

1886. 

A. G. Smith 

1897— 

R. H. Schuett 

1887. 

E. W. Eldridge 



*On an old gravestone in the Methodist Cemetery we find the name of Ab- 
ner Clark, of North Salem, N. H.; died February, 1814, aged 26. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — B. B. King, W. T. Davis, E. Handy, A. M. Robbins, 
J. H. Jones, D. E. Butler, H. O. Davis. 

Stewards — C. A. Avery (R. S.), B. B. King, S. E. King, H. O. 
Davis, T. G. Bowman, F. S. Robinson, H. Shiverick, P. D. Aurelio, 
C. M. Shiverick, C. K. Durgan, L. Baker. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, J. H. Jones; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Wm. T. Davis; Secretary and Treasurer, David E. Butler; 
Librarian, Mrs. J. H. Jones. 

Teachers — James H. Jones, Miss Agnes Fulton, Miss Maria Fish- 
er, Mrs. P. D. Aurelio, Mrs. J. T. Lawrence. 

Epworth League — President, Miss Agnes Fulton; First Vice- 
President, Mrs. G. H. Turner; Second Vice-President, Mrs. B. F. 
Luce; Third Vice-President, Mrs. L. B. Lane; Fourth Vice-President, 
Mrs. A. M. Robbins; Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Shiverick; Treasurer, 
Mrs. J. H. Jones. 

Junior League — Mrs. James H. Jones, Superintendent. 


M. E. CHURCH, LITTLE COMPTON, R. I. 


Methodism first came to Little Compton from Newport, R. I., in 
the year 1816; not in any organized manner, blit in the home life and 
heart experience of Mr. Lemuel Sisson and family, and settled 
at Seaconnet Point, five miles distant from the village proper, called 
Little Compton. Mr. Sisson’s family consisted of himself and 
wife and eleven children. Into this home that was so loyal and de- 
voted to God and his Church, their pastor from Newport would come 
occasionally and hold Methodist meetings. Friends and neighbors 
were invited in. The interest increased till in 1820 they were able 

to have preaching services every 
two weeks, conducted by Rev. 
Daniel Dorchester, then, at Ports- 
mouth. In 1821 a local preacher by 
the name of Levi Chase, from Som- 
erset, held meetings around in pri- 
vate houses, during the month of 
June. On July 7 of the same year 
Rev. Daniel Webb came to Little 
Compton and preached in Mr. 
Sisson’s home. After the preaching 
service he administered the ordi- 
nance of baptism to seven candi- 
dates, and then organized a class, 
appointing Mr. Sisson leader. 
During the same year, on Septem- 
ber 28 and 29, was held the first 
Quarterly Meeting, under the 
friendly shelter of Mr. Sisson’s 
roof. This was the beginning of 
Methodism in Little Compton. 

For five years regular preaching services were held in this Mecca 
of Methodism, but such was the growth of the class that had been 
organized but four years, that in 1825 it was found necessary to build. 
The first Methodist church was built on the West Road, at the head 
of what is now called Meeting-House Lane, on a site of land pur- 
chased from Sylvester Brownell. Here the Methodists worshipped 
for fifteen years, when it was deemed advisable to seek another loca- 
tion. A lot, situated on the Common, was granted by the town, and 
upon this the second Methodist church was built in 1839, and dedi- 
cated April 1 6, 1840. The sermon of the occasion was preached by 
Rev. Daniel Webb, who, at the time of his death in 1867, was the old- 



LITTLE COMPTON CHURCH. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


9 0 

est effective Methodist preacher in the United States, if not in the 
world. Hd was assisted in the service by the pastor, Rev. Joseph 
Brown. The first church building was sold, and to-day is occupied 
as a residence, in the centre of the town. 

In this new edifice, thirty-two years of growth resulted in such 
a sending down of roots and pushing out of branches that it was 
again found necessary to seek enlarged quarters. The project of a 
new church was the result of efforts put forth by Rev. A. A. Wright, 
pastor during the period of 1867-69. It was fostered by the society, 
and brought to completion in 1872, during the pastorate of Rev. 
S. T. Patterson. The new edifice stands just across the road from the 



REV. M. B. WILSON. 



old one, cost $14,000, and was dedicated October 22, 1872, Bishop 
Simpson officiating, and also preaching the sermon, from Isaiah lx, 13. 
The old church was sold, and is now occupied by the Odd Fellows. 

At the time of dedication, $7,000 indebtedness remained. This 
was all canceled before the dedicatory service took place, the people 
determining to honor God by presenting Him a house free of debt! 

Entering into the church we find a good-sized room on each side 
of the passage-way, for class meetings and social purposes, while at 
the end of the hall is a nicely arranged Sunday School room, 40x40 
feet. Passing up stairs from the entry, we are introduced into a large 
auditorium, seated with circular pews, and accommodating from 350 
to 400. The ceiling is finished in Gothic style, and neatly frescoed, 
while in the choir loft is a large pipe organ. All the rooms are 
illuminated by gas, and well furnished for the work in hand. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


9 1 


PASTORS. 


1820. Daniel Dorchester 
1821-22. Isaac Stoddard 

1823. Milton French 

1824. Joel McKee 

1825. Newell Spaulding 



LEMUEL SISSON. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


1826. 

1827. 

1828. 

1829. 
183O-3I. 
1832-33. 

1834. 


David Culver 
Amos Binney 
Stephen Puffer 
Hiram Walden 
William Barstow 
Israel Washburn 
G. H. Winchester 


1835- 

1836. 

1837-38. 

!839- 

1840. 

1841. 

1842. 
1843-44. 
1845-46. 
1847-48. 
1849-50. 
1851. 
1852-53. 
I854-55- 

1856-57- 

1858. 

1859. 

1860. 
l86l-62. 

1863. 
I864-65. 
1866. 
I867-69. 
I87O-7I. 
1872-74. 
J875-77- 
1878-79. 
1880-82. 
1883-85. 
1886-88. 
I889-9I. 
I892-96. 
1897 


Henry Smith 
Daniel H. Bannister 
Philip Crandon 
Joseph Brown 
John C. Goodrich 
Lemuel Harlow 
John W. Case 
Daniel Webb 
Philip Crandon 
Richard Donkersley 
Elihu Grant 
G. W. Rogers 
Carlos Banning 

B. L. Sayer 
J. B. Weeks 
Charles Hammond 
John N. Collier 

G. B. Cargill 

C. A. Merrill 
C. S. Sanford 

S. W. Coggeshall 
W. McKendree Bray 
A. A. Wright 
Walter Ela 
S. T. Patterson 
W. J. Smith 
J. O. Thompson 
J. H. Humphrey 
E. W. Goodier 
W. P. Stoddard 
C. H. Ewer 
W. E. Kugler 
M. B. Wilson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — B. F. Wilbur, President; Lemuel Sisson, Secretary; 
R. G. Brownell, J. E. Peckham, G. H. Brownell, E. B. Sisson, M. J. 
Sylvia, Albert Peckham, J. H. Shaw. 

Stewards — Lemuel Sisson (R. S.), G. H. Brownell (D. S.), E. B. 
Sisson, M. J. Sylvia, R. G. Brownell, J. E. Peckham, Mrs. H. M. 
Simmons, Mrs. Eva Brownell, Mrs. Hattie J. Warded. 

Sunday School — Lemuel Sisson, Superintendent; Pastor, Assist- 
ant Superintendent; Mrs. J. Fremont Wilbur, Secretary and Treas- 
urer; G. F. Bixby, Assistant; Abram Warded, Librarian; G. F. Bixby, 
Assistant; Miss Dora L. Peckham, Pianist. 

Teachers — Albert Peckham, James E. Peckham, Lemuel Sisson, 
M. B. Wilson, Isaac Bearse, Mrs. Samuel Wills, Mrs. Albert Peck- 
ham, G. Herbert Browned, Ephraim B. Sisson, Mrs. Abram Warded, 
Mrs. Hattie Simmons. 

Ladies' Social — Mrs. G. F. Bixby, President; Mrs. Annie Brown- 
ell, Vice-President; Mrs. Hattie Warded, Secretary and Treasurer. 


M. E. CHURCH, LONG PLAIN, MASS. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Rochester, organized in 1823, 
disbanded in 1857, and its few members united with the members upon 
Long Plain, forming the Long Plain society. 

According to the record, during the season of 1822, Philip Cran- 



LONG PLAIN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 

don, Sr., conferred with some of the more aged and serious of his 
neighbors respecting the importance of religious instruction in this 
place (Rochester). “The more aged and thoughtful, by the request of 
P. Crandon, agreed to procure the preaching of the gospel. Some 
wanted of one denomination, some of another, when Philip Crandon 
proposed that he would obtain a supply for the pulpit half the time 
if his friends would supply the other half.” 

Mr. Crandon conferred with Rev. Sol- 
omon Sias of New Bedford, who presented 
the matter to the Conference of 1823. Rev. 

Phineas Crandall was sent by the Conference 
to Rochester and Middleborough. 

In 1825 Leonard B. Griffin came to the 
circuit and was instrumental in building a 
church in 1828. The trustees of that first 
church built at Snipatuit Hill were John 
Bennett, Jr., Philip Crapo, William Bryant, 

Billings F. Corey, Jonathan Vaughn, Lewis 
Shaw, Otis Shearman, Philip Crandon of 
Rochester, and William Spooner of New 
Bedford. 

The Long Plain church was organized in 1857 and the member- 
ship was strengthened by the remaining members of the Rochester 
church. 



REV. PHILIP CRANDON. 
The First Pastor. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


93 


Philip Crandon had a son, Philip Crandon, Jr., who was appoint- 
ed in 1840 to the church which his father was largely instrumental in 
organizing, and he was the first minister in charge of Long Plain ap- 
pointed by the Conference. 

The growth of the church has not been great. Under the pastor- 
ate of the Rev. Jay Kirkendall, then a student at Boston University 
School of Theology, the membership was largely increased and the 
church refurnished and repaired. 

Pastors — Philip Crandon, S. Wallace, Henry H. Smith, Josiah C. 
Allen, Moses Chase, George H. Winchester, S. T. Carroll, Caleb S. 
Sandford, Francis A. Loomis, George H. Butler, Erastus W. Goodier, 
John Thompson, Roderick J. Mooney, John S. Bell, Solomon P. 
Snow, William D. Wilkinson, Charles K. Jenness, Asaph Wicks, Jay 
Kirkendall and J. Elbert Thomas, the present pastor. 



REV. J. ELBERT THOMAS. 



JAMES SHERMAN, 
Chairman Board of Trustees. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — James Sherman, Albert Lawrence, Thomas Clark, J. E. 
Borden, James C. Gammons. 

Stewards — Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Borden, 
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Gammons, Mrs. 
Sarah J. Brayley, Miss Alice Hazwell, James C. Gammons (R. S.), 
James Sherman (D. S.) 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Mrs. Thomas L. Clark. 

Epworth League President — Pastor. 


M. E. CHURCH, MARION, MASS. 

This church was organized July 8, 1865, by Rev. Thos. Ely, Pre- 
siding Elder of Sandwich District, assisted by Rev. G. S. Alexander, 
pastor of the M. E. church in Wareham, Mass. 

Thirty members, together with their pastor, Rev. R. H. Dorr, 
from the Protestant Methodist Church of Marion, presented them- 
selves in a body for admission into the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The Quarterly Conference was organized, with Samuel Robinson 
as class leader, and Daniel Hall, superintendent of the Sunday School. 
Rev. R. H. Dorr was appointed pastor by Presiding Elder Ely, and 
was assisted in his work for a short time by Rev. G. S. Alexander of 
Wareham. 

In August following the organization a grove meeting was held, 
during which a score of souls were saved, and the church was started 
in its work. In the grove meeting the pastor was assisted by Revs. 
J. A. Wood of Wyoming Conference, J. F. Sheffield of Providence 
Conference, and W. B. Gorham. 

The first pastor sent by the Conference was Rev. Abel Alton. 
Services were held for a short time in the district school house. A 
small church was built, and dedicated early in 1867. After preaching 
in the new church but once Mr. Alton was taken sick and died in 
March of 1867. He was a man of God, and his memory is still held 
in highest regard. At the next Conference session, Rev. D. J. Griffin 
was sent to Marion and remained two years. His pastorate was 
almost one continual revival. The pastors who served Marion, and 
whose names are given below, had many things to discourage them. 
For fifteen years, however, the spiritual work of the church was 
strong; then on account of the death of many of its members, and the 
moving away of some, it suffered a period of discouragement, during 
which its existence as an organization was almost threatened. But 
by the efforts and prayers of earnest men and women, the tide was 
turned, and its growth has been steady ever since. 

During the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Washburn the church build- 
ing was enlarged and new pews added. During Rev. Frederick Up- 
ham’s pastorate the church building was deeded to> the Methodist 
church, and a debt of $200 was paid. Rev. J. S. Bell erected a 
parsonage and secured an organ and furnace for the church. Rev. 
J. S. Thomas, during his stay, refitted and refurnished the church, and 
added much to its comfort and attractiveness. 

The membership of the Marion Church has never been large, 
and from the nature of its location can never expect to be anything 
more than a live country church. Its whole life has been marked by 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


95 


deep spirituality. Many young men and women have been started 
and trained in the Christian life in this church, and have gone to swell 
the ranks and power of some of our churches more favorably located. 

Among the prominent laymen of years ago was William Briggs 
whose picture appears here. , 



THE MARION PARSONAGE. 


WILLIAM BRIGGS, (Deceased). 


PASTORS. 


1865. R. H. Dorr 

1866. Abel Alton 
1867-68. D. J. Griffin 
1869. W. N. Chase 
1870-72. J. B. Washburn 
1873. J. W. Gaddis 
1873. W. McLaughlin 
1874-75. F. Upham 
1876-77. E. W. Culver 
1878. T. B. Gurney 
1879-80. Samuel McKeown 


1881. D. M. Rogers 
1881-82. A. C. Peck 

1882. Rev. Mr. Sanford 
1883-84. J. L. Litch 

(Congregationalist) 
1885. E. W. Eldridge 

1886-88. J. S. Bell 
1889-92. J. S. Thomas 
t 893-95. J- E. Duxbury 
1896. Richard Burn 
1896 — Jay Kirkendall 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Class Leader — Rufus L. Savory. 

Sunday School Superintendent — Lucretia Coffin. 
Epworth League President — Bessie E. Briggs. 




Robert M. Hatfield. C. B. Pitblado. Frederick Upham. E. T. Taylor. S. L. Gracey. 

L. B f Bates, Amos Binney. Lewis Bates Mark Traftqn, Ensign MqChksney, 


M. E. CHURCH, MARSHFIELD, MASS. 

Marshfield has the distinction of being the former home of Daniel 
Webster, Massachusetts’ greatest statesman. 

In a book entitled “Father Taylor, the Sailor Preacher,” by Gil- 
bert Haven and Ihomas Russell, on pages 86 and 89, we learn that 

“Father Taylor’s” first pastorate 
was on Scituate Circuit, in which 
Marshfield was one preaching place. 
In a letter by Mrs. Taylor to 
her sisters, dated “Duxbury, No- 
vember 9, 1819,” it is said: “The 
prospect of a revival of religion is 
pleasing, particularly in Marshfield 
and Duxbury.” From this we infer 
that the organization of the Metho- 
dist Church here was probably some 
years prior to 1819. There is now in 
the possession of the Recording 
Steward a book entitled “Steward’s 
Book, Marshfield Circuit, July 23d, 
1825.” It is well preserved, and 
contains important records (with a 
roll of forty-one members “In Full” 
in 1825) which contains records to 
1848. This is the earliest local rec- 
ord we have been able to find. The first page is as follows: — 




THE MARSHFIELD CHURCH. 


THE MARSHFIELD PARSONAGE. 


“QUARTERLY MEETINGS.” 

“First Quarterly Meeting held July 23, 1825. Present: E. Hyde, 
P. Elder; H. Mayo, B. Jones, circuit preachers; Mr. Gold, local 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


98 

preacher; Mr. Melzer Sprague, steward; Brothers Hatch, Williamson, 
Tolman and Chandler. Opened with prayer. Proceeded to business. 
Chose B. Jones secretary, Brothers Anthony Hatch and John Chand- 
ler stewards. Adjourned.” 



WEBSTER HOME. 


There were three Quarterly Meetings held that Conference year, 
one at Scituate, the other two at Marshfield, the last bearing the date 
“February 11, 1826,” at which B. Gurney, at his request, was granted 
license to preach. The first Quarterly Conference, July 6, 1826, met 



REV. L. H. MASSEY. MRS. L. H. MASSEY. 

in the “M. House,” Daniel Dorchester, Presiding Elder. This “M. 
House” was the “Meeting House” often mentioned in later records. 
When it was built we have not been able to ascertain, but it stood 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


99 


on the hill, in the northwest part of what is now the village of Marsh- 
field, on the same spot occupied now by the church, which took its 
place in 1854. The latter is yet a neat frame building, painted white, 
with a tall steeple, which can be seen from many distant points. 

The first parsonage was a part of a building brought from the 
place now occupied by Geo. Baker’s store, across the river, and placed 
on the same spot where the parsonage now stands. The first mention 
of the parsonage we find was in 1834, when the third Quarterly Con- 
ference was “held at the parsonage.” Prior to this the Quarterly Con- 
ferences are mentioned as held at the “Meeting House,” and once at 
“Dr. Melzar Sprague’s house, September 13, 1831.” 

There is a book, containing trustees’ records, dating from May 
9, 1853, down to 1864. In this book there is a record of the action 



NATHANIEL. TAYLOR. 
Recording Secretary. 



CHARLES M. HARLOW. 
President Board of Trustees. 


of the board in building the present parsonage, in i860, to which Calvin 
S. Magoun proposed to give $300 for the purpose, “if the trustees 
would hire a sufficient sum to finish said house, with the understand- 
ing if the house ceases to be a pa/rsonage of the M. E. church within 
fifty years, that the $300 which he pays shall be refunded to him or his 
heirs.” This proposition was accepted, the house was built, and, Octo- 
ber 3, i860, the trustees gave C. S. Magoun a note of $200 “to cancel 
all the outstanding bills on the new parsonage.” How much was 
raised besides the $300 donated and the $200 hired is not known; but 
probably not very much more was required to build such a house 
at that time. 

The church has been managed by men of sturdy common sense, 


IOO 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


"with consciences quickened by the grace of God. The class meeting, 
now led by Bro. Bryant C. Pratt, has been kept alive from the first. 
As early as October 26, 1835, there was a Sunday School, governed 
by a “S. S. Society,” under a well-written constitution, in a book con- 
taining records down to 1855. There is also a “Constitution” of “The 
Marshfield Ladies’ Benevolent Society of the M. E. Church,” with 
records as far back as 1870. This society is still a potent factor in the 
work of the church. 


PASTORS. 



E. T. Taylor 1841-42. 

H. Mayo and B. Jones 1842. 

C. K. Avery 1844. 

Three quarterly Con- 1845. 
ferences held, but no 1846-47. 
pastor’s name men- 1848. 
tioned 1849. 

Probably A. D. Mer- 1850. 
rill, then pastor at 1851. 
Duxbury Village, but 1852-54. 
no record 1855-56. 

Lewis Janson 1857-58. 

1859. 
1860-61. 
1862-63. 
1864-65. 
1866. 
1867-68. 

1869. 

1870. 
1871-72. 

1873- 

1874- 75- 

1876-78. 
1879-80. 
1881-82. 

1883. 

1884. 

1884-85. 

L. MAGOUN (Deceased). 1 886. 


1819. 

1 820-2 5. 

1826. 

1827-28. 

1829. 

J83O. 


1831. Charles Macreading 1886-87. 

1832. Mark Staple 1888. 

1833. Benjamin Keith 1889. 

1834. R. D. Easterbrook 1890-91. 

i835-36. William Ramsdell 1892. 

1837. Enoch Reading 1893-94. 

1838. Elisha B. Bradford 1895-96. 

1839-40. Samuel Palmer 1897 — 


Henry Mayo 
Dixon Stebbins 
William Leonard 
O. Robbins 
Lozien Pierce 
John B. Gould 
Samuel Beedle 
Thomas B. Blake 
Theoph. B. Gurney 
Oliver P. Farrington 
Benjamin K. Bosworth 
Robert Gould 
Thomas C. Pratt 
Lawton Cady 
Franklin Sears 
Josiah C. Allen 
Benjamin F. Pease 
Joseph C. Cramack 
Charles S. Mace (July) 
Nelson W. Chase 
Benjamin K. Bosworth 
James H. Humphrey 
Daniel M. Rogers 
John H. Allen 
Fred’c A. Crafts 
John F. Sheffield 
Theoph. B. Gurney 
Almon F. Hoyt, April 
to September 
Benjamin F. Jackson 
George A. Coe, May 
to July 

T. W. Luccock 
N. C. Alger 
J. B. Ackley 
Merrick Ransom 
Francis D. Sargent 
G. H. Hefflon 
John Thompson 
L. H. Massey 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


IOI 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Bryant C. Pratt, W. F. Morey, Nathaniel Taylor, E. N. 
Pratt, James E. Baker, C. M. Harlow, Eldon Bailey. 

Stewards — Nathaniel Taylor (R. S. and Treasurer), B. C. Pratt, 
Charles M. Harlow, W. F. Morey, E. N. Pratt, Eldon H. Bailey. 

Class Leader — B. C. Pratt. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, E. N. Pratt; Assistant, Hattie 
Belknap, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. E. N. Pratt; Librarian, Flora 
Lewis; Assistant Librarian, Mr. Eldon Bailey. 

Teachers — Nathaniel Taylor, W. F. Morey, Martha Taylor, Hattie 
Belknap. 

Reserve Teachers — Mrs. M. A. Massey, Jennie Bailey, Leroy 
Bartlett. 

Christian Endeavor Society — Organized by Rev. G. H. Hefflon, 
July i, 1893. President, Miss Martha Taylor; Vice-President, Eldon 
Bailey; Secretary, Mrs. M. A. Massey; Treasurer, W. F. Morey. 


M. E. CHURCH, WEST DUXBURY, MASS. 



In 1829 the Rev. A. D. Merrill, then pastor of the Methodist 

Episcopal Church at Duxbury, held 
occasional evening services in the 
West Duxbury school house, and 
one person was converted. 
Rev. Lewis Janson, pastor at 
Marshfield, held services here once 
a month, and one other person was 
converted, in 1830. In the year 

1831, under the labors of Rev. 
James Bicknell, many professed 
conversion, and a class of eleven 
was formed, and connected with 
the church at Duxbury. In 

1832, by the aid of the Dux- 
bury Church, a meeting-house 
was erected at Ashdod, where 
services were held, and in Octo- 


ber 

the 

house 

was 

dedicated, 

the 

sermon 

being 

preached 

by 

Rev. 

B. 

F. 

Lombard, 

the 

Presiding 

Elder. 

A pas- 


THE WEST DUXBURY CHURCH. 

tor being petitioned for, the Rev. Thomas Stetson was appointed— 
1833 — remaining two years. 




102 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Thus began the work, and thus, in four years from the beginning, 
a new charge was added to the Conference. 

“Until 1842,” says one of its historians, “the church was blessed 
with general success.” But at this date occurred the “Wesleyan 
Secession,” at Duxbury, when several members withdrew from this 
church, disturbing its harmony, and reducing its financial power. The 
next year (1843), under Rev. William Leonard, however, was a pros- 
perous one in conversions and accessions to the membership, and, 
the Wesleyan Church (at Marshfield) having dissolved, some that 
had withdrawn returned, and the house being enlarged, under Rev. 
J. C. Fifield, in 1848, continued to prosper. In 1867, following up 
business and the population, it was decided to sell the old, and build 
a new church. Under the labors of Rev. J. B. Washburn, the 
pastor, the location on the corner of High and Taylor Streets was 
selected, and the year 1868 witnessed the erection of the present 
church, under the pastorate of Rev. Edwin D. Hall, at a cost of $7,000, 
being dedicated June 11, Rev. Samuel F. Upham preaching the ser- 
mon. It was a joyful day, and under an appeal by the pastor, $800 
was raised at the time, leaving a debt of. $2,700. This was further 
reduced by some $300, available from the sale of the former house and 
lot. So that at the close of the year, the pastor wrote “The dove of 

peace, with her snow-white wings, 
hovers o’er us; the finances of the 
church in a safe condition; all assess- 
ments for benevolences met, and no 
blanks on the minutes of the year.”' 
This year, also, ten conversions and 
nine accessions were reported. The 
debt on the church hung heavily upon 
the society, being reduced from time 
to time, for a number of years, until 
it was finally removed, in the year 
1888, by the heroic efforts of Rev. F. 
L. Brooks, the pastor, and his grateful 
people. A jubilee service and bon- 
fire, which consumed the note, marks 
the day on which the heavy burden 
was lifted. 

Prior to this time, the business interests of the place declined, and 
the church was weakened both numerically and financially. The par- 
sonage was sold, and the church for a number of years has been 
served, principally, by students of the School of Theology of Boston 
University. The boys, however, and the other pastors, have all done 



GEORGE T. CHANDLER, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


103 


noble work, and a kind and noble people are yet “holding up the 
pastor’s hands,” and rejoicing in the highest of all privileges, that of 
being “laborers together with God.” 


PASTORS. 


Including, as the three first named, those under whom the work 
began : 


1829. A. D. Merrill 1862. 

1830. Lewis Janson 1863-64. 

1831. James Bicknell 1865-67. 

1832. The Pastor of Dux- 1868. 

bury 1869. 

1 833-34. Thomas Stetson 

1835. Lemuel Harlow 

1836. Henry B. Skinner 1870-71. 

1837. Elisha B. Bradford 1872-73. 

1838-39. (Ziba B. C., changed 

by General Court to) 1875. 
Howard C. Dunham 1876. 

1840. Chester Field, Jr. 1877. 

1841. Lewis Dwight 1878-79. 

1842. Aaron Joslin 1880. 

1843. William Leonard 1881. 

1844. George H. Winchester 1883. 

1845. Robert R. Thompson 1884. 

1846. George W. Rogers 1885. 

1847. Addison Woodard 1886. 

1848-49. John C. Fifield 1887-88. 

1850-51. Oliver P. Farrington 1889. 
1852. John Tasker 1890. 

x 853-55. Samuel Norris 1891. 

x 856-57. Josiah C. Allen 1892. 

1858-59. George Watson 1893-94. 

1860. Howard C. Dunham 1895-6. 

1861. James B. Weeks. 1897 — 


Isaac Forbes 
Rufus Gerrish 
J. B. Washburn 
Edwin D. Hall 
G. W. Wooding (until 
November) and H. 
C. Dunham 
Charles Hammond 
(J. R. Ward to July) 
W. L. Phillips 
Joseph Marsh 
Silas Sprowls 
J. H. Vincent 
Justus H. Nelson 
William Willcocks 
B. K. Bos worth 
Winfield W. Hall 
W. L. Hood 
B. W. Hutchinson 
Arthur N. Searles 
F. L. Brooks 

F. E. Highway 

G. A. Sisson 
Francis D. Sargent 
Everett S. Hammond. 
George H. Hefflon 
John Thompson 
Lucius H. Massey 


Note — From records given, from 1855 to 1868, a period of 13 
years, the average estimate for pastoral support was $434.61 ; the aver- 
age amount paid was $392.37, a deficit in 13 years of $455. The whole 
amount during this period for Conference Claimants was $61 ; raised 
for missions, $88; Bible cause, $8; Tract Society, $14; Sunday School 
Union, $11; miscellaneous, $8; membership, in this period ranged 
from 61 to 87; average, about 70 (for 11 years 70 and a fraction). 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — John J. McFarlin, George F. Chandler, Chas. F. How- 
land. 


104 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Stewards — John J. McFarlin, George F. Chandler, Charles F. 
Howland, Mrs. H. D. Thrasher, Mrs. Cordelia Randall, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth McFarlin. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, George T. Chandler; Assistant 
Superintendent, John J. McFarlin; Secretary, Ethel Howland; Libra- 
rian, Albert Estes; Assistant, Miss S. E. Snell; Teachers, Mrs. H. D. 
Thrasher, E. T. McFarlin, Miss S. E. Snell, Mrs. S. E. Lewis, Miss 
Lizzie Alden. 

Y. P. S. C. E. — President, Miss Lizzie Alden; Vice-President, 
Miss Lizzie Atwood; Secretary, Miss S. E. Snell; Treasurer, Miss Al- 
berta Estes. 


M. E. CHURCH, MARSTON’S MILLS, MASS. 

Aaron Lummis was the first regularly appointed Methodist Epis- 
copal preacher in charge of the town of Barnstable. This was in the 
year 1813, and it was during this year that the people of Marston’s 
Mills heard the Gospel first from the lips of a Methodist preacher. 



MARSTON’S MILLS CHURCH. 


But although there were Methodist preachers in the field continuously 
from this time, yet it was not until 1826 that regular classes were 
formed upon the circuit, and among the other classes organized was 
the Hamblin’s Plains class, which many years later became a part of 
the Marston’s Mills class. It was in 1829 that the church building 
which now stands at Marston’s Mills was purchased from the Yar- 
mouth class and moved to its present site. 

In the year 1838 Marston’s Mills was cut off from the Barnstable 
circuit, and became a separate station; and their first quarterly Con- 
ference was held July 24 of that same year; and Nathan Hamblin 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


105 



MRS. A. J. BODGE, MRS. A. G. CROSBY, 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

The society erected a tent on Yarmouth Camp-ground in 1863, 
and the church building was again remodeled in 1888, during Rev. 
E. B. Gurney’s pastorate. 

The history of this church is that of a few faithful people strug- 
gling to keep a strong and constant religious influence in the com- 
munity, and although the society has passed through various degrees 
-of prosperity, yet it may be said to its credit, that it has never dis- 
banded nor ceased to hold regular services, but for the space of eighty- 
four years has been supplied continuously with preaching and most 
of the time has been under pastoral care. It is at present a student 
supply appointment. 

PASTORS. 

1813-14. Aaron Lummis 1817-18. Moses Fifield 

1815-16. Stephen Bailey 1819. Benjamin Hazleton 

1817-18. Benjamin R. Hoyt 1820. Isaac Jennison 


was chosen secretary of the Conference, which office he continued to 
hold for thirty-three years. The station then comprised Osterville, 
Cotuit Port and Hamblin’s Plains, as well as Marston’s Mills. The 
•class at this place, which four years later was named the Marston’s 
Mills class, was led by Joel Hamblin, who for a full half century or 
until the time of his death was continued as the class leader. 

In 1859, thirty years after its erection, the rain was beating in 
through the windows and leaky roof of the building. The seats were 
old and uncomfortable and the members were disheartened. But one 
of its own members, Thomas C. Pratt, was licensed to preach, and 
appointed pastor of the church, and by his zealous labors the build- 
ing was remodeled and repaired free from debt. 


I0 6 SOUVENIR HISTORY . 


1821-22. Edward L. Taylor and 

Benjamin Brown 

1823. Lewis Bates, George 

Weeks and La Roy 
Sutherland 

1824. Lewis Bates and George 

1825. Hezekiah Thatcher 

1826. Hezekiah Thatcher and 

Charles G. Chase 

1827. Enoch Bradley and 

T. G. Brown 

1828. Warren Wilbur and 

Dan Robinson 

1829. Hector Brownson and 

Lemuel Heath 

1830. Hector Brownson and 

Charles Noble 



REV. JOHN W. H. MILLAR. 


1831. Frederick Upham and 

Joseph Brown 

1832. F. Upham and Apol- 

los Hale 

1833. Abram Holway and 

Richard Livesey 

1834. William Ramsdell and 

Benjamin Walker 

1835. Joel Steele and D. K. 

Bannister 

1836. Joel Steele and Henry 

H. Smith 

1837. Erastus Otis 


1838-39. Lemuel Harlow 

1840. James Bicknell 

1841. Wareham Campbell 

1842. L. H. Beale 

1843. George W. Stearns and t 

GeorgeH. Winchester 

1844. Otis Wilder, Mr. Hub- 

bard, Mr. Rood, 
J. Fifield, S. G. Usher 

1845. John Fifield and S. G. 

Usher 

1846-47. Abram M. Osgood and 

Lorenzo Barber 

1848. Onesiphorus Robbins 

1849. Addison Woodard 

1850-51. Joseph Marsh 
1852. Lemuel Harlow 

I ^ 53 - 54 - Benjamin Haines 

1855. Thomas W. Douglas 

1856. Nathaniel Swift 

1857. Abram Holway 

1858. Thomas C. Pratt 

1859. George W. Green and 

Joseph Marsh 

1860. J. A. Hunt and Edward 

Edson 

1861. Charles A. Carter 
1862-64. John S. Fish 
1865. Moses Brown 
1866-67. Philip Crandon 
1868-69. Lawton Cady 

1870. Francis A. Loomis and 

James R. Cushing 
1871-72. Charles E. Walker 

1873. R. H. Dorr 

1874. Charles A. Carter 

1875. Mosely Dwight 

1876. Paul Townsend and 

Caleb T. Rotch 
1 877-79. John S. Fish 
1880-81. Philo Hawkes 
1882. H. W. Hamblin 
1883-87. A. H. Somers (Cong.) 

1888-89. E. B. Gurney 
1890-91. T. H. Cor sen 
1892-94. Oscar E. Johnson 

1895. G. A. Sisson 

1896. George Ross and C. H. 

Taylor 

1897. John W. H. Millar 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


107 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — A. J. Bodge, Edmund Hamblin, Warren Hamblin, 
Clifton Fuller, Oliver Crocker, J. W. R. Sprague and Dr. J. H. 
Higgins. 

Stewards — A. J. Bodge (D. S.), Clifton Fuller, Eunice Fuller, 
Esther Grigson, Nancy Crocker, Sophia Hamblin, Sarah P. Fuller 
(R. S.), Persis Coleman, A. G. Crosby, Hattie Mecarta, Christina 
Hamblin. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Mrs. Andrew J. Bodge; Assist- 
ant Superintendent, Clifton Fuller; Secretary, Addie G. Crosby. 

Epworth League — President, Mrs. A. G. Crosby; Vice-President, 
Mrs. Ann Hinckley; Secretary, Amy W. Cammett; Treasurer, Edna 
Fuller. 



M. E. CHURCH, MIDDLEBORO, MASS. 

The earliest records of Methodism in Middleboro are dated Sep- 
tember 15, 1823, when a number of articles were drawn up and sub- 
scribed to. The following composed the membership: Edward 
Winslow, Deborah Winslow, Martha Thomas, Mercy Barden, Susan 

S. Clark, Hannah Clark, Augusta 
Clark, Nathan Savery, Alanson 
Gammons, Nathan Perkins. 

The first business meeting after 
organization was held May 3, 1824. 
A committee was appointed to 
make repairs on the Town House 
to fit it up for holding religious 
services, permission having been 
obtained from the selectmen. The 
expense incurred was $9. 

Rev. Asa Kent was the first pas- 
tor, beginning his labors in May, 
1824, and serving two years. 

October 12, 1830, during the 

pastorate of Rev. David Culver, it 
was voted to build a meeting-house. 
A site was chosen in Fall Brook 
the middleboro church. as being most central for the mem- 
bership, and the chapel was dedi- 
cated early in 1831. Worship was continued here until the death of 
Rev. Israel Washburn in 1861, when the chapel was closed, and re- 
mained so until 1863, when Rev. J. Q. Adams, a local preacher (now a 


io8 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


member of the Conference), came here in the employ of the Star Mills 
Company. Being an aggressive Methodist, Mr. Adams succeeded 
in opening the house, and supplied the pulpit at Fall Brook for four 
months. It was then thought best to open a meeting at the Center. 
A hall was taken, over the furniture store of Mr. George Soule, ancb 
Rev. Aaron Gill, a local preacher, was engaged to supply the desk. 
In February, 1865, a chapel formerly occupied by the Baptists was 
leased for three years and fitted up at an expense of $300. March 9, 
1865, this house was opened for worship, Rev. John Howson of East 
Weymouth preaching in the morning and Rev. Levi Abbott, pastor of 



THE MIDDLEBORO PARSONAGE. 

the Baptist church in Middleboro, preaching in the evening. After the 
evening sermon the use of the pews was sold for one year for $240. 

Meanwhile services continued to be held in the Fall Brook chapel 
a part of nearly every year until the latter part of 1889. After J. Q. 
Adams the following labored there: Theophilus Brown, Mr. Pierson, 
Rev. Willard Packard (Baptist preacher). In 1878 Roland Gammons 
conducted the services, and he was followed by John Hull. 
A Sunday School was organized with Winslow Pratt Superin- 
tendent, having an average attendance of 40. Rev. Ephraim Hunt next 
had charge, and was followed by H. N. Donnell, Rev. Mr. Osgood 
and Rev. Charles Pittsley. After a year of intermission the house was 
again opened for services in 1889 by Rev. T. J. Everett, pastor at the 
Center, but with the approach of cold weather the services were dis- 
continued and the chapel was closed until it was finally sold in the 
year 1896. 

The corner stone of the present church at the Center was laid 
August 21, 1868, by Rev. Thomas Ely, Presiding Elder of Sandwich 
district, $5,000 having been secured by the pastor, Rev. Freeman 
Ryder, for the erection of the building. The church was dedicated 
February 3, 1869, Rev. W. F. Warren, D. D., of Boston, preaching 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


109 


the dedication sermon. The cost of the church was $12,500, with a 
debt of $7,500. 

During the next pastorate, that of Rev. Samuel T. Patterson, all 
but $500 of the debt was provided for, and the membership of the 
church was increased from 36 in full and 4 probationers to 130 in full 
and 25 probationers. Under the pastorate of Rev. S. J. Carroll, 
1 872-74, $500 was secured from the Church Extension Society to pay 
the balance of the debt on the church. During these three years there 
was a net increase of 56 members. 

The years 1876-79, during the pastorate of Rev. E. T. Towle, 
were very prosperous. The church was painted, a concrete walk laid, 
the vestry enlarged, a new organ added, a bell put in the tower and a 
deficiency in the running expenses made up. An extensive revival 
brought the membership up from 130 to 280. During the pastorate of 



REY. GEORGE A. GRANT. 


MRS. GEORGE A. GRANT. 


A. W. Kingsley, 1879-81, the vestry was much improved and two 
rooms were built on to the rear of' the church for the use of the Ladies’ 
Society, class rooms, etc., the expense, $500 to $600, being assumed by 
the Ladies’ Aid Society. At this time the membership is reported as 
244. A pipe organ was secured during the pastorate of Rev. G. W. 
Hunt. A Young People’s Society is one of the memorials of the work 
of Rev. T. J. Everett, organized at first as a Christian Endeavor So- 
ciety September 29, 1889, and in the succeeding pastorate taking a 
charter as Everett Chapter, No. 8,029, Epworth League. T. J. 
Everett gave a decided impulse to the work among the young, and a 
large children’s class was the result. In August, 1889, by the death 
of one of the most devoted members, Mr. Abner L. Westgate, the 
church came into possession of a handsome parsonage property on the 
corner of School and Pierce streets. 


IIO 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Quite extensive improvements were made in the church during 
the administration of Rev. W. F. Davis, 1892-95. The house was re- 
shingled and an addition built in the rear, affording room for the 
organ, with large chorus choir, back of the pulpit. A beautiful new 
pipe organ has replaced the old one. The exterior and interior have 
been thoroughly renovated and beautified, making a most delightful 
church home and a house of worship which is a credit to the church 
and town. 




HENRY D. SMITH, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


LOUIS D. CHURBUCK, 
Epworth League President. 


PASTORS. 

1824-25. Asa Kent 1829. Elias C. Scott 

1826. Isaac Stoddard 1830-31. David Culver (term 

1827. Without Pastor not known) 

1827-28. Lemuel Tompkins 

The records give the following, but no date of their service: Amos 
Binney, Lemuel Harlow, Thomas Brown, Josiah Lytch, Proctor 
Marsh, Otis Wilder, George Winchester, Sr., Elijah Willard, Ebenezer 
Ewings, William Tamplin, Edmund E. Standish, George Macomber, 
George H. Winchester, Philip Crandon, Asa N. Bodfish, Israel Wash- 
burn. 


1864. 

Aaron Gill 

1879-81. 

A. W. Kingsley 

1864-66. 

Samuel F. Whidden 

1882-83. 

G. W. Hunt 

1866-67. 

F. C. Newell 

1884-86. 

E. L. Hyde 

1868. 

Freeman Ryder 

1887-88. 

S. McBurney 

1869-71. 

Samuel T. Patterson 

1889-91. 

T. J. Everett 

1872-74. 

'Samuel J. Carroll 

1892-95. 

W. F. Davis 

Also E. A. Manning, E. D. Hall and theological students 

plies. 




1875- 

Charles Macreading 

1896 — 

George A. Grant 

1876-79. 

E. D. Towle 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


ill 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — James L. Jenney, Sylvanus Mendall, Samuel S. Lovell, 
Martin O. Rounsville, Nathaniel Warren, Granville L. Thayer, Francis 
M. Sherman, William M. Haskins, Levi B. Tinkham. 

Trustees of Parsonage — Thomas W. Pierce, Sylvanus Mendall, 
James L. Jenney. 

Stewards — Henry D. Smith, R. S. ; William M. Haskins, D. S. ; 
Thomas W. Pierce, John P. Arnold, Levi B. Tinkham, Ezra J. Kelley, 
Marcus M. Thompson, Clifford S. Lovell, Frank N. Woodward, A. 
Ellis B. Leach, Andrew J. Bisbee, Reuben W. Leonard, Louis Chur- 
buck. 

Class Leaders — Francis M. Sherman, Maria S. Haines, Rev. 
George A. Grant. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Henry D. Smith; Assistant 
Superintendents, Reuben W. Leonard, Ellice J. Stone; Secretary, 
Batie A. Smith; Treasurer, Martin O. Rounsville; Librarian, Levi B. 
Tinkham; Assistant Librarians, Flora Leonard, Ella E. Barden, Etta 
D. Taylor, Thersa Norton; Organists, E. Maud Francis, Lottie Tink- 
ham. 

Teachers — George A. Grant, Louis D. Churbuck, Isa Pittsley, 
Julia Tinkham, Susie H. Hunt, Etta G. Baker, Linnie W. Pratt, Car- 
rie Bisbee, Emma Haskins, Maria S. Haines, Rose Clark, James L. 
Jenney, Maria C. Lovell, Louisa Francis, Nellie Stevens, Jennie 
Vaughn, Frank N. Woodward, Eva L. Grant, Sophia Soule, Eliza 
Atwood, Minnie D. Walker, Florence Mendall. 

Ladies' Aid Society — President, Mrs. Thomas W. Pierce; Secre- 
tary and Treasurer, Mrs. Thomas Soule. 

Willing Workers — (Home Missions) — President, Mrs. Thomas 
Soule; Secretary, Mallie A. Taylor; Treasurer, Flora Leonard. 

King's Daughters — President, Mrs. A. J. Bisbee; Secretary, Mrs. 
John P. Arnold; Treasurer, Ida Atwood. 

Epworth League — President, Louis D. Churbuck; First Vice- 
President, Susie Hunt; Second Vice-President, Linnie Pratt; Third 
Vice-President, E. Maud Francis; Fourth Vice-President, Lillie 
Breach; Secretary, Samson McFarlin; Treasurer, Edward N. Hunt. 


M. E. CHURCH, MYRICKS, MASS. 

Myricks is a small place situated on the N. Y., N. H. & H. 
Railroad, between New Bedford and Taunton. It is known to the 
traveling public as a railroad junction where long and sometimes very 
undesirable delays are often made to connect with trains. 

Just out of sight of the depot, almost surrounded by the shades 
of the primeval forest, stands the little white church, making a pretty 

picture with its green back- 
ground. This church was built 
for a Protestant Methodist 
church, but was reorganized into 
a Methodist-Episcopal Church in 
1871, Rev. Samuel C. Brown be- 
ing at that time Presiding Elder 
of the Fall River District. 

Rev. J. G. Gammons became 
the pastor of the new church, 
which was composed of seven- 
teen members. There has been 
since that time no remarkable 
growth or sweeping revivals, yet 
this church has been steadily en- 
larging both in numbers and in- 
fluence. * 

During the pastorate of Rev. J. 
B. Washburn, the Ladies’ Circle 
placed a bell on the church. Some needed repairs were made, and 
besides these signs of temporal prosperity the church was blessed with 
a revival in which about twenty were converted. 

During the pastorate of Rev. C. T. Hatch quite extensive repairs 
were made on the church building. The old high gallery was taken 
down, a place was made for the choir beside the pulpit, a new pulpit 
suit and communion service were added, the floors were newly carpeted 
and the church was painted within and without, all at an expense of 
$400. 

The society owns a beautiful grove adjoining the church, in which 
for some years the annual clam-bake has been given. 

This church has been quite largely supplied by students from Bos- 
ton University. During the pastorate of Rev. H. H. Critchlow, a 
convenient parsonage was built at a cost of $1400, which will now pro- 
vide a home for a man with a family. A legacy left some years ago 
by Hephzibah Taylor formed a nucleus for this new parsonage. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


US 


PASTORS. 


I ^7 I "73- J- G. Gammons 1884-85. 

1874. Solomon P. Snow 1886. 

I875-77- J- B. Washburn 1887-89. 

1878. F. D. Sargent 1890-91. 

1879. Charles H. Farnsworth 1892. 

1880. Charles Stokes 1893-94 

1881-82. Charles T. Hatch 1895. 

1883. George Hudson 1896 — 


J. A. Morrison and Benjamin C. Gillis 
a month in 1887 and 1890 respectively. 


J. O. Denning 
John Livesey 
George H. Flynn 
Benjamin J. Chew 
F. B. White 
C. E. DeLaMater 
H. H. Critchlow 
E. B. Gurney 

each supplied the church 



REV. E. B. GURNEY. MRS. E. B. GURNEY. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — John F. Allen, Ebenezer Macomber, Charles Staples, 
James Pauli, Mrs. Hannah Williams, Mrs. Hannah Cole. 

Stewards — John F. Allen, O. M. Farmer, Charles Staples, Fannie 
Peirce, Mrs. Melissa Farmer, Mrs. Hannah Williams, Mrs. Amy 
Anthony, Mrs. Mary A. P. Allen, Mrs. Mary Pierce, Mrs. Amy 
Staples, Mrs. Elizabeth Cushing. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Pastor; Assistant Superintend- 
ent, James Pauli; Secretary, Albert F. Haskins; Treasurer, Charles O. 
Farmer. 

Epworth League — President, Pastor; First Vice-President, Mrs. 
Mary A. P. Allen; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Amy Anthony; 
Third Vice-President, Edith Haskins; Fourth Vice-President, Mrs. 
E. B. Gurney; Secretary, Ada D. Anthony; Treasurer, Mrs. Melissa 
Farmer. 



M. E. CHURCH, NANTUCKET, MASS. 

The first Methodist preacher who ever visited this island was Rev. 
Jesse Lee, who came here on the 6 th day of April, 1797, a few weeks 

after the inauguration of John 
Adams as President of the United 
States. He remained eighteen days 
and preached sixteen sermons. In 
1798 Rev. Joseph Snelling, a na- 
tive of Boston, being stationed on 
Martha’s Vineyard, was invited 
here, and for lack of a room suffi- 
ciently large to hold the people, 
he held meetings in the open air 
on Mill Hill, where all classes, rich 
and poor, white and black, as- 
sembled to hear the Word. A 
very large number were converted, 
and many others awakened, but no 
society formed. Rev. George Pick- 
ering was Presiding Elder, and 
was requested to send them a 
preacher, and Rev. William Beau- 
champ was accordingly sent, 
and proved a very judicious 
appointment. On the 24th of July, 1798, he formed the first society 
of Methodists on the island of Nantucket, in an upper back room 
in Pearl Street. This society con- 
sisted of nineteen persons. January 
1, 1800, the pastor dedicated the first 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Nan- 
tucket, on Fair Street, and at the close 
of the year reported sixty-five mem- 
bers in the society. The salary of 
the minister was fixed at $80 a year, 
and four families assumed the re- 
sponsibility of boarding him. In 
June, 1801, Rev. Joseph Wells was 
appointed to succeed Rev. Mr. 

Beauchamp, and in 1803, Rev. Joshua 
Soule succeeded him. 

Here is a break in the history 
until June 20th, 1812, when Rev. 



NANTUCKET PARSONAGE. 



THE NANTUCKET CHURCH. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 



IIS 

Elijah Hedding was appointed pastor. These last two were afterward 
Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In June, 1820, the 
New England Conference held its first session in Nantucket, Bishop 
George presiding, and the preachers then numbered about 100. In 
1823 Rev. Isaac Bonney was stationed here, and the congregation hav- 
ing outgrown Fair Street Church the Centre Street Church was built 
at a cost of $14,000, and seating 1,000 people, and was dedicated Sep- 
tember 20, 1823, by Rev. John Newland Maffit, who served as pastor 
for the balance of the year, during which time a gracious revival took 


place which increased the membership 150. In June, 1837, the New 
England Conference for the second time held its session here, when 
the number of preachers had increased to 172. Bishop Hedding pre- 
sided at this session, and Rev. John Lord was stationed here, who 
having gotten under a cloud was suspended for a year, and Rev. John 
Thompson Burrill was appointed his successor; but Mr. Lord, feeling 
pugnacious, drew off some of the best of the membership and organ- 
ized the Summer Street Baptist Church. At the next session of the 
Conference he was expelled from the Methodist church, but the effects 
of his disloyalty are still felt. In 1838 Rev. J. T. Burrill was re-ap- 
pointed, and in 1839 Rev. Stephen Lovell was the pastor. In 1840 
Rev. Ezekiel W. Stickney was appointed pastor, and in 1841 the New 
England Conference was divided and the Providence Conference 
formed, and held its session in Nantucket, when Rev. Daniel Fillmore 
was made pastor, and during the year one of the most extensive revivals 
of religion occurred that the island has ever witnessed, swelling the 
membership to 621. Mr. Fillmore was re-appointed in 1842, and in 
1843 an d 1844 Rev. David Patten, Jr., was the pastor, and was suc- 


MRS. O. M. MARTIN. 


REV. O. M. MARTIN. 



1 1 6 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


ceeded in 1845 and 1846 by Rev. Daniel Wise. In 1846 the great 
fire occurred that destroyed $2,000,000 worth of property, burning all 
around the Centre Street Church, leaving it a monument of God’s 
goodness to his people. Still, a goodly number of the members of 
the church lost their all of worldly possessions, leaving the church 
financially crippled. 




MRS. M. F. COFFIN, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


MARY H. BORDEN, 
Epworth League President. 


PASTORS. 


1837. John Lord 
1837-38. J. T. Burrill 

1839. Stephen Lovell 

1840. E. W. Stickney 
1841-42. Dan’l Fillmore 
1843-44. David Patten 
1845-46. Daniel Wise 

1847. E. B. Bradford 

1848. John Lovejoy 

1849. William Livesey 
1850-51. J. B. Husted 
t 852-53. Micah J. Talbot, Jr. 

1854. N. P. Philbrook 

1855. John Cooper 

1856. E. H. Hatfield 

1857. S. W. Coggeshall 

t 858-59. M. P. Alderman 

i860. James A. Dean 
1861-62. Asa N. Bodfish 
1863-64. W. H. Stetson 
1865-66. C. S. Macreading, Jr. 


1867. William H. Jones 
1868-70. William H. Starr 
1871-72. G. A. Morse 

1873. B. K. Bosworth 

1874. S. E. Evans 
x 875-76. C. N. Hinckley 
1877. C. E. Walker 
1878-79. Richard Burn 
1880. A. L. Dearing 
1881-82. Merrick Ransom 
1883-85. Frank Bowler 
1885. A. M. Osgood 
1886-87. George E. Brightman 
1888-89. S. M. Beale 

1890. Angelo Canoll 

1891. J. L. Hill 

1891. R. J. Floody 

1892. J. N. Geisler 

1893- 94. R. J. Kellogg 

1894- 95. D. C. Ridgway 

1 895- — - O. M. Martin 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


II 7 

There was a time when Methodism in Nantucket had more than 
-600 communicants, but that was in the palmy days of whaling, and 
Nantucket was considered among the best appointments of the Con- 
ference, but the whaling interests collapsed, and it has since made but 
little progress, and the membership has been reduced to about one- 
sixth of the former number. The place, however, is fast rising into 
prominence as a summer resort, and is peculiarly adapted to it, as the 
Gulf Stream comes up very near, thus making the winters mild and 
enjoyable, and the summer never lacks a cool, refreshing breeze, thus 
-avoiding both extremes. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — E. B. Dunham, Asa C. Jones, Walter Coffin, Leon 
Royal, Albert Chadwick, O. A. B. Tracy, George Brown, Mary F. 
Coffin, Mary H. Nye. 

Stewards — Leon Royal, Albert Chadwick, Walter Coffin, B. R. 
Burdette, E. B. Dunham, Mary H. Nye, Christine Dunham, Mary F. 
Coffin, Lydia Brokaw, Ellen Tracy, Lydia Beebe, Lydia Allen, Erne- 
line Coffin. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Mary F. Coffin; Assistant, O. M. 
Martin; Secretary, Lizzie Chase; Treasurer, Lizzie Pinkham; Libra- 
rian, Mabel Winslow. 

Teachers — O. M. Martin, Mrs. O. M. Martin, Mary H. Nye, Flor- 
ence Swain, Sarah L. Swain, Emeline Coffin, Carrie Brown, Eunice 
Robinson, Jennie Robinson, Ella Norcross, Carrie Norcross. 

Epzvorth League — President, Mary Borden; First Vice-President, 
Susie Austin; Second Vice-President, Mrs. O. M. Martin; Third Vice- 
President, Anna Marden; Fourth Vice-President, Sarah L Swain; 
Secretary, Walter Coffin; Treasurer, O. Clinton Hussey. 


THE METHODIST SOCIAL UNION OF NEW BEDFORD 
AND VICINITY. 

By Fred L. Thompson. 

On the 6th day of January, 1890, there were assembled at the 
Y. M. C. A. rooms in New Bedford, a committee consisting- of the 
pastor and two lay delegates from each of the Methodist Episcopal 
churches located in New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet, to 
consider the advisability of organizing a social society, having as its 
object the promotion of sociability and fraternity among the members 
of the various churches. They accordingly organized the Methodist 
Social Union of New Bedford and Vicinity. After adopting a con- 
stitution and by-laws, R. F. Raymond, Esq., was elected president. 

The first public meeting was held on 
Monday evening, February 3, 1890, at 
the County Street Church, as this was 
the mother church of Methodism in 
this city. There were 101 charter 
members enrolled at this meeting. 

The first lecture was delivered 
March 17, 1890, by Rev. B. P. Ray- 
mond, president of Wesleyan Univer- 
sity; subject: “Education/’ The next 
was by Dr. Charles Parkhurst of Bos- 
ton on “The Race Problem in the 
South.” R. F. Raymond was re- 
elected president for the year 1890-91. 
On Nov. 15, Bishop Wm. Taylor of 
Africa addressed the Union on his 
work in “The Dark Continent.” 

During the year lectures were delivered by Rev. C. H. Mann, 
Prof. O. A. Curtis, D. D., Prof. S. F. Upham, D. D., who spoke on 
“John Wesley, the Founder of Methodism,” at the centennial occasion 
of his death, and Prof. C. T. Winchester. 

R. F. Raymond, Esq., was re-elected president for the year 1891- 
’92. On October 7 Dr. Brodbeck opened a course of revival services 
by a sermon in County Street Church. Lectures during the year were 
by Prof. Daniel Dorchester, Jr., of Boston, subject: “An Evening 
With the Poets.” Dr. J. M. King, subject: “The School Question.” 
Dr. George E. Strobridge of New York, subject: “The Value of a 
Great Man”; and Prof. C. T. Winchester, subject: “An Old Castle.” 

R. F. Raymond, Esq., was again re-elected president for the year 
1892-93. The only lecture recorded for the year was delivered by 



F. L. THOMPSON. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1 19 

James Clement Ambrose of Evanston, 111., subject: “The Sham 
Family/’ 

Mr. George M. Eddy was elected president for the year 1893-94. 
Lectures during the year were as follows: Rev. W. H. Milburn, D. D., 
subject: “Aaron Burr”; Rev. William V. Kelley, D. D., on “Robert 
Browning”; Prof. Daniel Dorchester, Jr., of Boston University, lec- 
tured on Some Old Stories”; Rev. George L. Taylor of Georgetown, 
Conn., subject “Woodpeckers: Critics and Criticisms.” Mrs. Mar- 
garet Bottome, President of the King’s Daughters, spoke upon “What 
I owe to Methodism,” and Rev. C. C. McCabe, D. D., delivered his 
popular lecture on “The Bright Side of Life in Libby Prison.” 

At the annual meeting and banquet 
held May 21, the late Leonard B. Ellis 
delivered an historical address on the 
“Beginning of Methodism in New 
Bedford.” 

Lewis C. Small was elected presi- 
dent for the year 1894-95 at this 
meeting. The lectures for the year 
were as follows: Rev. William 

Burt, D. D.. subject: “Modern Italy.” 
Bishop John H. Vincent gave sug- 
gestions as to the proper train- 
ing of the American youth in his 
“Tom and His Teachers”. Rev. R. 
E. Schuh, Ph. D., spoke on “Modern 
Socialism. On January 17, 1895, the 
union celebrated the centenary of 
the first Methodist sermon preached in New Bedford by Rev. Jesse Lee. 
Services were held the entire day, consisting of a sermon by Bishop 
E. G. Andrews, D. D., LL. D., in the morning. Short addresses in the 
afternoon, and the late Leonard B. Ellis read in the evening his his- 
torical paper, “The Beginning of Methodism in New Bedford.” This 
completed the exercises of the celebration. Rev. A. B. Kendig, D. D., 
spoke on “Methodism Historically Interpreted.” Rev. E. M. Taylor, 
D. D., gave a patriotic address on “Washington as a Nation Builder,” 
and Rev. W. W. Ramsay, D. D., spoke on “Sky Wonders,” which 
completed the lecture course for the year. 

Lot B. Bates was elected president for the year 1895-96. The 
course for the year was as follows: Readings by Prof. Hibbard of Wes- 
leyan University; Rev. J. R. Day, D. D., Syracuse University; sub- 
ject: “A Mile a Minute”; Rev. J. D. Pickles, D. D., of Boston, subject: 
“Palestine and Egypt”; Rev. A. J. Palmer, D. D., of New York, de- 



pt. F. RAYMOND. 
Ex-President Social Union. 


120 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


livered his thrilling lecture, “Co. D, The Die-No-Mores”; Rev. J. E. 
Price, D. D., of New York, subject: “Noiseless Forces,” and Rev. 
F. D. Blakeslee, D. D., principal of East Greenwich academy, deliv- 
ered a beautifully illustrated lecture, subject: “Venice to Naples.” 

Savory C. Hathaway was elected president for the year 1896-97. 
Lectures for the year as follows : Rev. C. M. Melden of Brockton, sub- 
ject: “A Glimpse of Holland”; William I. Haven of Brookline, gave a 
very instructive talk on “The Mastery of the Mind”; Rev. J. M. Buck- 
ley, D. D., LL. D., of New York, subject: “Washington and Lincoln 
Compared and Contrasted”; Rev. W. T. Perrin of Boston, subject: 
“Visions,” and Rev. M. D. Buell of Boston, on “Skill.” 

At the annual meeting and banquet the following officers were 
elected for the year 1897-98: 

President — Frederic L. Thompson. 

First Vice-President — Marshall F. Lewis. 

Second Vice-President — Mrs. H. K. Nye. 

Recording Secretary — Mrs. C. G. Winslow. 

Corresponding Secretary — Mrs. H. H. Critchlow. 

Treasurer — David S. Small. 

While only the more prominent facts and events in the history of 
the union have been recorded here, enough perhaps has been given to 
demonstrate that the Methodist Social Union has had a creditable 
existence, and that it has exerted an uplifting influence in this com- 
munity. 


ALLEN STREET M. E. CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 

The Allen Street Church edifice was built in 1842 by Christian 
Baptists, and for several years was occupied by that denomination. 
In 1851 it was purchased by members of the Fourth Street Church. 

Rev. Moses Chase, then pastor of 
that church, was mainly instrumen- 
tal in bringing this about. Twenty- 
three members went out from 
Fourth Street Church and formed 
this church. The first pastor was 
Rev. Andrew McKeown, under 
whose labors the new enterprise 
was greatly strengthened. As the 
result of a four weeks’ protracted 
meeting, 34 souls were added, and 
at the close of a two years’ pastor- 
ate 149 members were reported. The 
good work went on under succeed- 
ing pastors. The great revival dur- 
ing the period of Dr. Chapman’s 
labors, in 1857 (that year of re- 
vivals), is probably the most 
marked. Finding a membership 
allen street church. of 1 37, he reported at the 

close of his second year 220 
members and 114 probationers. A considerable per cent, of the latter 
were evidently received in full by the next pastors; for the following 
spring 268 members were re- 
ported, and the spring follow- 
ing that 272, a number which 
has never been equalled till the 
report of the last Conference 
(1897), when, at the close of 
the pastorate of Rev. C. S. 

Davis, the membership num- 
bered 280, besides 20 proba- 
tioners. It may here be said 
that numerically the member- 
ship has varied from about 1 50 
to 200 during almost the entire 
Listory, seldom rising above 
the latter, or falling below the former. 

Faithful men in the ministry and laity labored in those early days. 






122 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 



in heaven alone is their complete record. A quotation from a writer 
of about thirty years since may express the transformation wrought 
in this neighborhood: “In the vicinity of this church, and completely 
surrounding it, were many dens of vice and infamy. * * * Purity 

has taken the place of depravity in its most hideous and revolting 
manifestations, and the hymns of Zion are heard and sung on the very 
spot where the ribald jest and licentious song were wont to be heard 
and sung.” 

In the spring of 1885 the Pleasant Street and Allen Street churches 


REV. J. N. PATTERSON. MRS. J. N. PATTERSON. 

were united under one Quarterly Conference, with Rev. A. E. Drew 
as pastor. This arrangement had become necessary on account of 
the almost prostrate condition into which the Allen Street Church 
had fallen, owing to a series of unfortunate circumstances. Besides 
being burdened with debt, the church had dwindled to a membership 
of 126, although two years before it had reported 185. This was due 
in* part, however, to a conscientious revision of the records by the Rev. 
J. B. Hingeley, by which the books were disburdened of persons who 
no longer had an interest here, or who had removed. Great credit 
is due to Brother Drew for the very timely and efficient aid which he 
now rendered to this disheartened people. At the end of a year he 
left them clear of debt, and in possession of the greater part of the 
money with which the present parsonage was built. It was, however, 
during the pastorate of Rev. Edward Williams that the actual building 
was done. The union with Pleasant Street Church having served its 
purpose, terminated at the end of one year, and with the pastorate 
of Brother Williams the church entered a period of prosperity which 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


123 


lias continued till the present. Of the splendid success of the three 
pastorates of Revs. E. Williams, J. I. Bartholomew and C. S. Davis, 
covering a period of eleven years, a sufficient proof may be found in 
the fact that the church has, numerically, more than doubled in that 
time. 

Among the ministers who have served this church, some few have 
since become distinguished. Notably, Dr. J. A. M. Chapman, whose 
thrilling pulpit oratory, even while here, is yet remembered. Also 
Rev. C. S. Nutter, author of “Hymn Studies,” and Dr. B. P. Raymond, 
now president of Wesleyan University. But the entire following list 
bears a high average, both in weight of Christian character and in 
general usefulness. 

PASTORS. 


1852-53. A. McKeown 
1854-55. J. B. Gould 



H. T. BORDEN. 
Recording Steward. 


1856-57. J. A. M. Chapman 

1858. Henry Baylies 

1859. John Howson 
1860-61. P. T. Kinney 
1862-63. John Livesey 
1864-65. Wm. Kellen 
1866-67. F. J. Wagner 

1868. E. A. Lyon 

1869. Thomas Ely 

1869-70. F. Ryder 
1871-72. J. M. Durrell 
1873. V. W. Mattoon 

1874-76. B. P. Raymond 
1877. J. H. Humphrey 
1878-80. C. S. Nutter 
1881-82. G. W. Wright 
1883-84. J. B. Hingeley 
1885. A. E. Drew 
1886-88. E. Williams 
1889-92. J. I. Bartholomew 
1 893-96. C. S. Davis 
1897 — J. N. Patterson 


A long list of honorable and faithful men and women of the laity 
have labored here, not the least important of whom have been the 
Sunday School superintendents and workers in the large and flour- 
ishing school, which has always been a part of this field. The follow- 
ing is a full list of Sunday School superintendents from 1851 till 1897: 
William R. Pittman, Henry H. Tillson, F. A. Chase, J. C. Brock, 
George B. Wilber, S. H. Briggs, Ira Y. Allen, W. D. Wilkinson, O. 
S. Simpson, T. I. Lewis, Lewis Pendleberry, R. F. Raymond, G. H. 
Briggs, E. P. Carter. 

Trustees — G. H. Briggs, C. A. Tuell, C. R. Sherman, E. P. Carter, 
F. P. Moody, J. F. Tripp, I. D. Wilkinson, O. S. Simpson. 


124 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Stewards— C. A. Tuell, Mrs. E. M. Tuell, G. H. Briggs, Mrs. 
Annie M. Briggs, H. T. Borden (R. S. and D. S.), Edward Winter- 
bottom, Amos Gee, Mrs. L. A. Macreading, F. L. Thompson, B. F. 
Crocker, Charles Jenney, H. F. Hoxie. 




E. P. CARTER. GEORGE H. BRIGGS. 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL.— SENIOR GRADE. 

Officers — Superintendent, Mr. E. P. Carter; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, .Mr. Robert L. Cook; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Amos 
Gee; Librarian, Mr. Rossa Moriarity; Pianist, Miss H. Ashley. 

Teachers — PI. F. Hoxie, J. N. Patterson, Mrs. Mary Tripp, Miss 
Bessie Grieves, George H. Briggs, Miss E. Kasmire, B. F. Crocker, 
Miss A. Bowie, Miss Bertha Hathaway, Mrs. E. F. Hoxie, Miss Jessie 
Grieves, Miss Lizzie Frost, Miss Hattie Frost, David Burgess, Miss 
Hattie Ashley, Miss Edith Frank, Mrs. George H. Briggs, Miss Grace 
Sherman. 

PRIMARY GRADE. 

Officers — Superintendent, Mrs. E. M. Tuell; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Mrs. E. C. Schofield. 

Teachers — Mr. O. S. Simpson, Mr. Edgar Wright, Mrs. Edgar 
Wright, Mrs. Amos Gee, Mrs. H. C. Bolles, Mrs. Nannie C. Cook, 
Miss Ada Smith, Miss Emma Winterbottom, Miss Carrie Rose. 

Epzvorth League — President, George H. Briggs; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, H. F. Hoxie; Second Vice-President, Mrs. E. F. Hoxie; Third 
Vice-President, Calvin Ashley; Fourth Vice-President, Edith Frank; 
Treasurer, Arthur Smith; Secretary, Bertha C. Hathaway. 


SEAMEN’S BETHEL AND HOME, NEW BEDFORD, MASS, 

The first meeting to take into consideration the expediency oi 
forming a society to promote the interests of seamen was held May 17, 
1830. In May, 1831, a house and lot on Bethel Street were purchased. 
At the first annual meeting, held June 7, 1831, it was resolved that the 

form of worship should 
be perfectly unsectarian, 
and that all denomina- 
tions should have the 
privilege of supplying 
the pulpit. Services were 
first conducted in the 
old Town House every 
Sunday morning, each 
of the clergymen in the 
place officiating in turn. 
The first meeting was 
held Sunday, July 31, 
1831. The first chap- 
lain was the Rev. Enoch 
Mudge, who com- 
menced his labors April 
27, 1832. The soci- 
ety was incorporated by act of the General Court May 4th, 1832. 

The Ladies’ Branch was formed June 12, 1833. Rev. Mr. Mudge 
resigned in July, 1844. His successor was the Rev. Moses How. He 
was connected with the society for fifteen years. Rev. James D. But- 
ler was the next chaplain. He entered upon his duties April 15, 1859. 
He was born in New Bedford, Oc- 
tober 21, 1809; was himself a mari- 
ner. In 1839 he became a member 
of the N. E. M. E. Conference. 

He served until 1863. Rev. Sam- 
uel Fox from 1863 to 1869. Rev. 

B. S. Batchelor, 1869 to 1870. Rev. 

James D. Butler returned in 1870 
and served until his death, Janu- 
uary 3, 1889. Rev. Edward Williams 
of the N. E. S. Conference was 
appointed his successor in 1889, at 
the close of his pastorate at Allen 
Street Church, New Bedford, and 
has served continuously to the present 
time. 

The duties of a chaplain embrace 
not only the conducting of reli- 
gious worship in the chapel, but 
carry him down on the wharves, 
among the seamen, and into their daily lives, where he must be ever 
watchful for a chance to bring some neglected sailor under the care 
and protection of the Bethel and its moral influences. During the 
greater part of this time the Bethel has been supplied by Methodist 
Ministers. 



REV. EDWARD WILLIAMS. 



SEAMEN’S BETHEL AND HOME. 



CANNONVILLE M. E. CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 

For a number of years a Sunday School organization of greater 
or less strength has existed in the Cannonville Chapel. The vicissi- 
tudes of fortune through which this organization has passed are too 
numerous and tedious to mention. Therefore, we shall not trace its 
history from a more distant point than the advent of Brother Charles 
H. Brownell as superintendent in 1887. From that time on, progress 
has been the watchword. Only once in the last ten years have the 
prospects darkened, when, in 1891, Mr. Brownell was compelled to 




THE CANNONVILLE CHURCH. REV. C. H. TAYLOR. 

resign on account of sickness. God kindly provided for the needs of 
that hour by raising up for them a worthy superintendent, Mr. George 
S. Fox. Through his efforts, in 1895, the people of Cannonville and 
Rockdale united in calling a minister. Rev. C. H. Judkins of Boston 
University was secured. He remained only until April, but in his 
short stay started a good work. The Conference of 1896 sent Brother 
Jerome Greer to this charge. During his year’s ministration much was 
done to put the work on a more solid foundation. The Conference of 
1897 sent to this charge Rev. C. Howard Taylor, the present pastor. 
No church organization has yet been effected, but the present pros- 
perity indicates that such organization is near at hand. 



COUNTY STREET M. E. CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 

(This sketch is largely a condensation of a paper read by the late 
Leonard B. Ellis at the celebration of the centennial of New Bedford 
Methodism, February 5, 1895.) 

The first Methodist sermon 
in New Bedford was preached 
by Jesse Lee, January 30, 1795, in 
George East’s tavern, still stand- 
ing on the northeast corner of 
Acushnet Avenue and Mill 
Street. For ten years after, 
Methodist services were occa- 
sionally held in school houses 
and dwellings. Among the 
preachers were Joshua Hill, 
Joseph Snelling and Daniel 
Webb. After the founding of 
the society at Head-of-the- 
River, in 1807, now known as 
the Acushnet Church, preaching 
services and class meetings were 
held under its direction in Fair- 




haven and New Bedford, in 
county street church. the latter place in the homes 

of Phebe Stowell, Susannah 
Maxfield and Captain John Hawes. In April, 1817, a class was reg- 
ularly organized to meet at Susannah Maxfield’s. It consisted of the 
following sixteen members: John Hawes, leader; Mary Hawes, Joseph 
Stowell, Phebe Stowell, Susannah Maxfield, Phineas Kinney, Achsah 
Kinney, Mehitable Bennett, James Blur, Thurston Chapman, Esther 
Chapman, Zaccheus Chap- 
man, Amy Perkins, Benjamin 
Keith, Sarah Adams and Tim- 
othy I. Dyer. 

In 1819, a hall was rented 
in the second story of a build- 
ing on the corner of Second 
and Mill Streets, and Benja- 
min L. Sayer preached with- 
out compensation till Confer- 
ence, when Rev. Jesse Fill- 
more was appointed first pas- 
tor. When because of the 

coming of the Presiding auditorium view. 


128 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Elder, or for other reasons, the 
hall was not large enough, the 
Middle Street Christian 
Church was freely placed at 
the service of the infant so- 
ciety. The following were 
present at the first Quarterly 
Conference, November 23,. 
1820: Rev. George Picker- 
ing, Presiding Elder; Rev. 
Jesse Fillmore, pastor; Zac- 
cheus Cushman, Timothy L 
Dyer, Phineas Kinney and 
Jonathan Tuttle. The last-named was superintendent of the Sunday 
School, organized in 1841. 

In June, 1821, on the northwest corner of Elm Street and Acush- 
net Avenue, the first church was erected, 45x50 feet, at a cost of $1,200. 
In the attic was an “upper room” for prayer and class meetings, where 
Pentecostal blessings were often received. This structure was enlarged 
and a chapel added in 1840. A serious contention was settled in favor 
of pew doors, and another by a compromise providing that half of the 
pews should be free and half rented. The pastor opposed free seats. 
Rev. Solomon Sias took charge in 1822 and calmed the factions. John 
Newland Maffitt held revival meetings during this pastorate. Disci- 
pline was rigidly maintained in the early Methodist fashion. The 
sisters wore Quaker bonnets and did not don black for mourning. 
There was a committee to advise members on business matters, and 
some were suspended for non-attendance at class meeting. Special 
services were held in outlying villages. The first annual report, in 
1821, showed expenses of $222.68, with five cents in the treasury. A 
singing school was started in. 1830, and a bass viol introduced in 
1837. Colored people, twenty-four of whom at one time were mem- 
bers, sat in the northeast gallery and partook of the Lord’s Supper 
last, by themselves. Because of this distinction, Frederick Douglass, 
soon after arriving in New Bedford, abandoned his determination to 
join Elm Street Church. The colored people had Timothy Dyer for 
class leader, who also taught them to read and write. In 1835 an 
anti-slavery lecture was given in the church. In 1840 anti-slavery 
prayer meetings were held. Such were the beginnings of New Bed- 
ford Methodism in the Elm Street Church, from which were colonized 
Fourth Street in 183 1, and Pleasant Street in 1843. 

In 1858 the Elm Street Society laid the corner-stone of the present 
imposing edifice on the corner of County and Elm Streets, now known 



VESTRY VIEW. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


129 


as the County Street Church, which was dedicated May 5, 1859. This 
is of brick, of handsome design, 65x100 feet, and cost nearly $50,000, 
at a time when labor and materials were very low. A considerable 
portion of the funds was advanced by a Building Association formed 
for the purpose by the following official members of the church : Ben- 
jamin Pitman, Edmund Anthony, George G. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, 
William Hammond, Caleb L. Ellis, George W. Howland, Benjamin 
C. Ward, Thomas West, Perez Jenkins, Alanson Gammons and Shipley 
W. Bumpus, some of whom made great sacrifices to forward the enter- 
prise. Rev. Mark Trafton, D. D., was the pastor when the society 



REV. J. F. COOPER. MRS. J. F. COOPER. 

removed to its new home, and it at once took a commanding position 
in the social and religious life of the city. By the arduous labors of 
Rev. D. P. Leavitt, pastor in 1868-71, and further sacrifices on the 
part of the people, all remaining indebtedness was cleared off and the 
property formally transferred to the trustees. There is also a parson- 
age fund, the gift of the late George W. Howland. 

The location has proved excellent, and with the present growth 
of the city, the church is making notable gains in membership. Death 
has removed many of its venerable figures, but the society is assum- 
ing more of a popular character, while some of the leading business 
and professional men of the city are counted among its members and 
attendants. Its usefulness seems assured, with the favor of God, for 
many years. Its organization for charitable and social work is excel- 
lent. Its list of pastors includes Upham, Wise, Trafton, McChesney, 
Kimball, Townsend, Crafts, Canoll, Benton and other notable names. 

Rev. C. W. Holden, after a successful five years’ pastorate with 


130 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


this church, married one of its most popular young women, Miss 
Elizabeth Eddy, daughter of Hon. George M. Eddy. 


PASTORS. 


1820-21. 

1822-23. 

1824. 

1825. 
1826-27. 


Jesse Fillmore 
Solomon Sias 
Ephraim Kirby 
Frederick Upliam 
Jacob Sanborn 



REV. A. WOODARD. 
Local Preacher. 


1828. 

1829-30. 

1831-32. 

1833- 

1834- 35- 


Asa Kent 
Timothy Merritt 
Daniel Webb 
Daniel Fillmore 
Thomas C. Pierce 


1836-37- 

1838-39- 

1840-41. 

1842-43. 

1844. 

1845-46 

1847-48. 

1849-50. 

1851-52- 

1853- 

1854- 55- 

1856. 

1857-58. 

1859-60. 

1861-62. 

1863-64. 

1865-67. 

1868-70. 

1871-73. 

1874. 

1875-76. 

1877-78. 

1879-80. 

1881. 

1882-84. 

1885-87. 

1888-89. 

1890-94. 

1895 — 


Shipley W. Wilson 
Isaac Bonnev 
Joel Knight 
John Love joy 
Azariah B. YVheeler 
David Patten, Jr. 
James D. Butler 
Robert M. Hatfield 
Daniel Wise 
E. T. Fletcher 
William T. Harlow 
John Cooper 
"Henry S. White 
Mark Trafton 
William S. Studley 
Mark Trafton 

R. W. Humphriss 
Dudley P. Leavitt 
Ensign McChesney 
Luther T. Townsend 
Wilbur F. Crafts 
William F. Whitcher 
Watson L. Phillips 
Edward D. Towle 
Henry D. Kimball 

S. Olin Benton 
Angelo Canoll 
C. W. Holden 
J. F. Cooper 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — James Taylor, Pres.; George S. Perry, Sec’y. ; Benjamin 
Anthony, Treas.; George M. Eddy, Savory C. Hathaway, Mark T. 
Vincent, Adoniram J. Rice, Joseph B. Wade, William T. Laughlin. 

Stewards — Savory C. Hathaway (Pres.), George M. Eddy (R. S. 
and Treas.), James Taylor (D. S.), Francis A. Butts, Jr., Joseph B. 
Wade, Robert G. Bennett, Arthur L. Blackmer, Francis N. Howes, 
William T. Laughlin, Robert Burgess, Robert F. Raymond, M. F. 
Lewis, H. G. Bassett. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, George W. Burgess; Assistant 
Superintendents, Mrs. Joseph R. Slocum, Mrs. Marshall F. Lewis, 
Clara S. Vincent; Secretary, Lillias M. Bennett; Assistant, Mrs. J. F. 
Cooper; Treasurer, Mrs. G. T. Hardwick; Assistant, Mrs. C. W. Cog- 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


131 

geshall; Librarian, Edwin Chopson; Assistants, C. F. Corson, G. W. 
Merrow, J. E. Balloch, Bessie P. Peirce, Mary B. Hathaway, Annie 
R. Forrest. 

Epworth League — President, Francis N. Howes; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, James E. Balloch; Second Vice-President, Edith May Weaver; 
Third Vice-President, Alice G. Anthony; Fourth Vice-President, Ida 
M. Lewis; Secretary, M. Annie Wilde; Treasurer, Simeon E. Leavitt; 
Superintendent Junior League, Mrs. Francis K. Allen. 


FOURTH STREET CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 

This was the first Methodist Society to be formed of members who 
withdrew from the old Elm Street Church, the original home of Meth- 
odism in this city. In 1831 a chapel was erected for the accommoda- 
tion of the Fourth Street people, which was formally dedicated Febru- 
ary 4, 1832. During the years 1831 and ’32 Rev. Asa Kent served this 

new charge as pastor. At 
the Conference of 1832 
Revs. A. D. Sargent and 
Daniel Webb were ap- 
pointed to serve conjoint- 
ly both Elm Street and 
Fourth Street charges. 

The separation which 
took place in 1843 was e ^“ 
fected by mutual consent, 
and Fourth Street became 
thenceforward a distinct 
church, under the pastoral 
care of Rev. A. U. Swiner- 
ton, who remained with it 
two years. Although the 
church contracted a debt 
of $6,000 during Mr. 
Swinerton’s pastorate, its 
spiritual life had been 
most successful, and when 
he left 76 new names had been added to the membership. 
A remarkable pastorate was that of Rev. Moses Chace, which began 
in 1850. In November, 1851, he, with six others, purchased what is 
now the Allen Street M. E. Church, and a new society with members 
of the Fourth Street Church, was formed. This was considered an 



FOURTH STREET CHURCH. 




I3 2 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


unwise step by some, as the gradual exodus of members who lived 
nearer the Allen Street Church, reduced the membership of the Fourth 
Street Church very materially, so that in 1852 Fourth Street had only 




REV. W. E. KUGLER. 


MRS. W. E. KUGLER. 


191 members and 18 probationers, and in 1856, the membership was 
•still further reduced to 176 and 7 probationers. During the pastorate 
•of Rev. S. F. Upham in i860, however, the membership again in- 


JESSE LAW. A. H. BURT. 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

creased, and through his labors the church was enlarged and remod- 
eled to its present proportions, at a cost of $6,300. 

This practically new structure was opened and re-dedicated in 






SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


133 


Eebruary, 1861, the Rev. L. D. Barrows delivering the dedicatory dis- 
course. Another important epoch in the history of Fourth Street 
Church occurred in 1866, the centennial anniversary of Methodism in 

America. This centennial year was 
observed and commemorated by the 
Fourth Street people by an offering 
of $2,400 to free their church from 
debt, incurred when the improve- 
ments were made. Again, in 1881, 
during the ministry of Rev. A. Mc- 
Cord, an additional $2,300 were 
raised, and the church property 
was thoroughly repaired and re- 
painted. But little of special or 
general interest has occurred in 
connection with the subsequent his- 
tory of this church. Like most 
other churches, she has had her ups 
and downs. But at the date of 
this publication she is up, and con- 
tinues to do' a blessed work in this 
city. The people of this church are very loyal, and it yet possesses 
many faithful workers. Special mention ought to be made of the 
noble self-sacrificing band of women who have ever been an important 
influence in the life and work of this society. 

Special mention ought also to be made of Rev. B. F. Simon’s 
pastorate. He came to this church under most discouraging circum- 
stances ; but through his influence the people were rallied and inspired, 
-and after five years’ pastorate — the longest in its history — he left the 
church much stronger and more prosperous than he found it. 

PASTORS. 



L. B. BATES. 

President Board of Trustees. 


1831-32. 

1832. 

1832. 

1833-34- 

1835. 
1836-3 7 - 
1838. 

1839- 

1840. 

1841. 
1842-43. 
1844. 

1845- 


Asa Kent 

1846. 

A. D. Sargent 

1847-48. 

Daniel Webb 

* 1849. 

A. U. Swinerton 

1850-51. 

Sanford Benton 

1852. 

Phineas Crandall 

1853-54- 

Warren Emerson 

1855-56. 

Daniel Webb 

1857- 

W. S. Campbell 

1858-59. 

George F. Pool 

1860-61. 

A. U. Swinerton 

1862. 

Isaac House 

1863-64. 

Daniel Webb (supplied) 1865. 


Paul Townsend 
Daniel Fillmore 
W. A. Richards 
Moses Chase 
Richard Livesey 
James Mather 
George M. Carpenter 
Henry Baylies 
J. T. Benton 
S. F. Upham 
N. Bemis 
E. H. Hatfield 
Joseph Marsh (supplied) 



134 

SOUVENIR HISTORY. 

1866. 

Wm. H. Jones 

1878-81. 

Asa N. Bodfish 

1867-68. 

E. S. Stanley 

1881-84. 

A. McCord 

1869-70. 

Samuel A. Winsor 

1884-86. 

H. B. Cady 

1871-72. 

Frederic Upham 

1887-89. 

A. P. Palmer 

1873- 

Charles Ryder 

1890-91. 

W. H. Allen 

1873-75- 

Charles Morgan 

1892-96. 

B. F. Simon 

1875-77- 

R. W. C. Farnsworth 

1897 — 

W. E. Kugler 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Lot B. Bates, Horace Tilden, C. H. Gifford, George 
A. Poole, G. G. Stiles. 

Stewards — Lot B. Bates (R. S.), James H. Russell (D. S.), C. H. 
Gifford, Jesse Law, A. W. Bosworth, Arthur H. Chase, Arthur Pat- 
terson, Mrs. Lydia Tilden, Mrs. C. G. Winslow, Mrs. Mary G. Bright- 
man, Mrs. Jane L. Poole, Horace Tilden. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Jesse Law. 

Epworth League — President, A. H. Burt; First Vice-President, 
Miss Annie L. Hinckley; Second Vice-President, Mrs. C. H. Gifford; 
Third Vice-President, Miss Caroline N. Tilden; Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent, Miss Emily B. Johnson; Secretary, Miss Agnes B. Nixon; Treas- 
urer, Mrs. A. M. Church. 


PLEASANT STREET M.E. CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 

>k % >(: 

In the year 1844 the Methodists in the northern part of the city 
thought there ought to be a church in their section. Accordingly a 
detachment of members from the old Elm Street Church organized 




PLEASANT STREET CHURCH. PLEASANT STREET CHURCH. 

(As it appears to-day.) 

Pleasant Street Church. Rev. John Livesey was the first pastor. 
During his pastorate the church grew and prospered greatly. 

Samuel C. Brown, the third pastor, remained but three months 
on account of ill health. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Jonathan Cady (i849-’5o) the pres- 
ent church was built. It was dedicated in July, 1849. The sermon 
of the occasion was preached by Rev. C. K. True of Boston. 

The pastorate of E. B. Bradford (1855) was a great revival year. 
Many were added to the church. 

The great religious awakening of 1857 took place during the 
pastorate of Rev. John Howson, and many were added to the church. 

Next followed the happy pastorate of the “sunny-tempered and 
sweet-spirited’’ Charles Nason (1858). 

Rev. William McDonald followed. His pastorate was also a very 
successful one. 

In 1866 Rev. L. B. Bates (now of the New England Conference) 
was one of the most successful pastors in the history of the church. 


136 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


On watch night, 1866, divine services were begun which were con- 
tinued for 105 nights, resulting in 500 conversions — several of whom 
joined other churches; but 415 joined Pleasant Street Church. This 



GROUP OF LADIES AID SOCIETY. 

blessed revival lifted this church to first rank in the Conference. The 
Sunday school numbered 1,000 at that time, and seven nationalities 



B. FRANK PENNEY. ROBERT WATERSON. 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

were represented. $9,000 was also raised and spent on repairs during 
this pastorate. 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


137 


Joel E. Hawkins followed Mr. Bates. He found a great 
church under his care. His pastorate proved a successful one in 
continuing the work begun by his predecessor. He made 3,000 calls 

during the three years. Con- 
versions continued all through 
his pastorate. 

Rev. W. T. Worth was pas- 
tor in 1872. This, too, was a 
highly successful one. The 
able pastorate of A. E. Drew 
(1883-85) was blessed many 
ways. In 1888 Rev. M. S. 
Kaufman became pastor. 
With his usual enthusiasm 
and faithful work this church 
took on new life and hope. 
Large revivals blessed each of his three years’ labors. An old mort- 
gage that had hung over the church ever since it had been erected, and 
on which the church had paid $14,000 interest, was raised, and burned 
in the presence of a great congregation. It was a glorious hour for 
this church. 

The pastorates of Dr. A. Cameron, Dr. C. E. Harris, as well as 
that of the present pastor, Rev. Eben Tirrell, have been marked by 
able sermons. In pulpit ability no church in New Bedford has ex- 
celled, if equalled it, during the past ten years. 

Pleasant Street has long been famous as a working church. Many 
able and faithful laymen have labored here, and her prospect for the 
future is radiant with hope. 



PASTORS. 


1844-45. John Livesey 

1846. Samuel Beedle 

1847. S. C. Brown 
1847-48. Charles H. Titus 
1849-50. Jonathan Cady 
1851. Robert Hobart 
1852-53. Horace C. Atwater 

1854. Frederick Upham 

1855. E. B. Bradford 
1856-58. John Howson 
1859-60. Charles Nason 
1861-62. William McDonald 
1863. William Farrington 


1864-65. N. P. Philbrook 
1866-68. L. B. Bates 
1869-71. Joel E. Hawkins 
1872-73. W. T. Worth 
1875-77. T. R. Greene 
1878-80. J. W. Malcolm 
1881-82. Edgar F. Clark 
1883-85. A. E. Drew 
1886-87. Henry D. Robinson 
1888-90. M. S. Kaufman 
1 89 1 -93. A. Cameron 
1894-95. C. E. Harris 
1896 — Eben Tirrell 



138 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Samuel S. Paine, Seth C. Caldwell, George W. Paine, 
James N. Parker, William Walker, Herbert K. Haskins, John Allen, 
Stephen Shepherd, David Small. 

Stewards — George W. Paine, Samuel S. Perry, B. Frank Penney, 
Frederick Mickell, Weston C. Vaughan, Jr., Clara L. Tompkins, Will- 
iam Hindle, Clara J. Stratton, Lewis Small, Arthur D. Swift, Paul 
Howland, Eben Hirst, John Allen. 

Class Leaders — Samuel Paine, William Walker, Stephen Shepherd, 
David Small, George Paine, Robert Waterson, Alma Paine, Joseph 
Jennison, Edwin Jones. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, B. Frank Penney; Assistant Sup- 
erintendent, Eben Hirst; Treasurer, Henry W. Swift; Secretary, Anna 
E. Jennison; Assistant Secretary, Helen W. Hawes; Librarian, J. B. 
Tompkins, Jr. 

Teachers — Edwin Jones, George W. Paine, Mrs. Sarah Paine, 
Mrs. Annie Deane, Mrs. Mary Lilly, William Walker, David S. Small, 
Myra Jennison, Clara Tompkins, William Hall, Grace Bailey, Frederick 
A. Mickell, Mrs. Isabel McFarlin, Mrs. Augustus Buchell, William 
Hawes, George C. Huddy, Eben Hirst, Stephen H. Shepherd, Sylvia 
Hillman, Julia Smith, Mrs. Florence Ellis, Mellie Harding, Robert 
Waterson, Mrs. Esther Walker, Charles E. Vaughan, Mrs. Charles 
E. Vaughan, Lillie Jones, Ella T. Bassett, Lizzie E. Omey, Mrs. S. S. 
Paine, Paul Howland, Jr., Frank Wilcox, John Allen, Carrie Ryder, 
Clara Stratton. 

Epworth League, Chap. No. 651 — President, Robert Waterson; 
First Vice-President, William Hall, Jr.; Second Vice-President, Mrs. 
Robert Waterson; Third Vice-President, John Allen; Fourth Vice- 
President, Mrs. J. O. Coffin; Secretary, Lena Donneaud; Treasurer, 
Charles E. Vaughan. 


FIRST PORTUGUESE M. E. CHURCH, NEW BEDFORD. 

This Portuguese Mission is the First Portuguese M. E. Church 
in America. For several years a few converted Portuguese, some of 
whom were members of the Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church, 
had been thinking of, and praying for, the establishment of mission 
work among their countrymen in this city. Their earnest Christian 
zeal awakened in others an interest in their people. In the summer 
of 1889 Rev. Walter Ela, Presiding Elder, and Rev. J. I. Bartholo- 
mew, pastor of Allen Street Church, in consultation concerning the 
needs of this people, of whom there were about five thousand in the 



REV. A. RIBEIRO. MRS. A. RIBEIRO. 


city, were convinced that mission work should be commenced among 
them as soon as a man could be found to carry it on, and funds could 
be provided to support it. 

Mr. Bartholomew was requested to make inquiries among the 
Portuguese for a suitable man to commence the work, and in con- 
versation with Victor Sequeira, one of those most interested in this 
enterprise, he learned that he, Sequeira, was in correspondence with 
some Protestant Portuguese in Jacksonville, 111 . Through this cor- 
respondence he learned of a young man, Joseph I. Almeida, who" was 
doing evangelistic work there, whose services it was thought could be 
obtained. Shortly after this, the matter of a Portuguese mission was 
brought before the Methodist Social Union of New Bedford and vicin- 
ity, and Mr. Sequeira made a statement to the Union of the numbers 
and religious condition of his countrymen in the city. This awakened 
so much interest that arrangements were made at once for soliciting 
contributions, and the responses were so generous that the Presiding 


140 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Elder felt warranted in undertaking the work, the more so as it had 
the approval of Presiding Bishop Ninde at the Conference, and of Dr. 
Leonard, one of the Missionary secretaries. Accordingly Mr. Al- 
meida was engaged. He arrived in New Bedford, May 16, 1890,. 
and held his first meeting in the home of Mrs. Fernandes, No. 2 Bab- 
bitt Street, Sunday, May 18. Cottage meetings were held till June 
15, when a store, No. 475 South Water Street, having been rented 
and fitted up for this purpose, meetings were opened there. At first 
large crowds gathered about the door and the room was well filled,, 
some with real interest in the meetings, some from curiosity, and some 
for the purpose of disturbing the meetings. On several occasions 
stones were thrown at the building, and considerable disturbance was 
created, but notwithstanding this, the Spirit of the Lord reached the 
hearts of some of the people, and within a few weeks several of them 
were converted, and the work continued to prosper. On 'November 
9th, six Portuguese were received on probation in the Allen Street 
M. E. Church. On June 1, 1891, the mission was transferred from 
Water Street to a store room, No. 84 Potomska Street, which was 
thought to be a more desirable location. On June 21, 1891, the mis- 
sion was organized as a church by the Presiding Elder, Rev. Walter 
Ela, with eleven members and eight probationers, these all coming by 
letter from Allen Street Church, five of them having been received 
into full membership that morning, and nine having been baptized by 
Mr. Bartholomew. In the afternoon, after a sermon by the Presiding 
Elder, the letters as above mentioned, were read, and the persons were 
recognized as a church. Mr. Almeida having been previously licensed 
as a local preacher by Allen Street Quarterly Conference, was ap- 
pointed preacher in charge. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 
was then administered, Mr. Bartholomew assisting. The Presid- 
ing Elder then, in the presence of the church, organized the Quarterly 
Conference. The church took the name of “First Portuguese 
Methodist Episcopal Church.” 

The General Missionary Committee, at its meeting in Boston, in 
November, 1890, adopted the mission, and made an appropriation for 
its support. 

When Mr. Almeida left on May 31, 1892, after seven months, 
Mr. George B. Nind, who had been in Brazil for nine years, came to 
take the work. Mr. Nind is an American, and did not speak the 
Portuguese language quite so well as one of their own countrymen; 
however, the work moved along slowly, with occasional additions, 
steadily gaining in the confidence and respect of the city. Mr. Nind 
left in April, 1896, when A. Ribeiro was appointed pastor. Mr. 
Ribeiro was at that time studying in East Greenwich Academy, learn- 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


141 


in g the English language. He has endeavored to push the work in 
various ways, especially by having additional meetings on Sunday, 
and children’s classes, etc. The meetings are well attended, and the 
people seem to enjoy them. 

The year 1896 was a trying time for this church, but it only drove 
the faithful few to their knees, and as a result, at Christmas time a 
great revival broke out, and in a short time sixty were added to the 
church, many of them young men. 

May God touch the hearts of the American Christians to help 
build a proper house for God’s worship. That is the one thing needed 
at present. The people among whom we work were brought up in 
a country where they have proper places to worship, and think a great 
deal of the place. They will attend the religious services better when 
a new church building has been erected. May it soon be realized! 


M. E. CHURCH, NORTH DIGHTON, MASS. 

The first veritable fact concerning the introduction of Methodism 
in North Dighton is, that Israel Anthony, a Methodist, came to North 
Dighton in 1814 as an overseer in the Mt. Hope mill. He immediately 

interested himself in the moral and 
religious welfare of the place. 
Through his influence Methodist 
preaching was occasionally had. 
During the latter part of 1815 or 
early in 1816 a great revival began 
as a result of the preaching, and 
under the direction of the Rev. Or- 
lando Hinds, who was associated 
with Francis Dane on the “Provi- 
dence and Mansfield” circuit, 
North Dighton being included. 
The first class was formed of the 
fruits of this revival. Very meagre 
data is at hand concerning the 
work for several years following. 

The first authentic record of the 
church' is a class paper which was 
preserved until recently, but now lost. It was dated Wellington, July 
31, 1823; the north part of Dighton having been incorporated in 1814 
as the town of Wellington. Twenty-six members were enrolled in the 
class. Abiather White was the class leader. Lorenzo Dow visited 


i 



NORTH DIGHTON CHURCH. 



142 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


North Dighton about this time and preached twice on a certain Sab- 
bath. The class was sustained and Methodist doctrines preached dur- 
ing the successive years, but not until 1830 did North Dighton enjoy 
the service of a stationed preacher, Rev. John D. Baldwin having the 
honor of being the first appointee. The work prospered under Kis 
leadership, and during this year the need of a church building was so 
urgently felt that the work of building was begun under the leadership 
of Abiather White, the class leader. 

In 1831 “Father” Dane and the Rev. H. Walden were on the new 
circuit “Somerset and Dighton.” 

The new church was formally dedicated to Christian worship on 

Wednesday, July 13, 1831. The Rev. 
Lewis Bates of Bristol, R. I. (better 
Known as Father Bates), preached the 
dedicatory sermon from Romans i, 16: 
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel 
of Christ.” 

The first church stood upon the 
large rock, not far distant from the 
present church. 

The financial account, kept this 
year for the first time, apparently, 
shows that including $10 paid to the 
Somerset preacher, and $26.28 as “pri- 
vate presents to F. Dane,” only 
$157.08 was raised for the pastor 
and “for the P. Elder’s table Ex- 
pense $9.21”! No wonder that 
some of the girls employed in the mills felt moved to purchase a new 
suit of clothes to replace “Father” Dane’s threadbare garments. 

In 1837 North Dighton became an independent charge. Rev. 
John Bayley was appointed pastor. From this date (1837) to the pres- 
ent time a complete record of pastoral service has been preserved. In 
1847 the parsonage was built. Among those converted this year were 
Josiah R. Talbot and Mary (Pilkington) Dunlap, who are still active 
members in the church. 

Rev. William Cone was the first pastor to occupy the parsonage. 

The work of grace continued this year, and in July, 1848, a young 
man about 17 years old, then employed as a clerk in Mr. Almy’s store, 
was soundly converted. If the faithful pastor had never seen but this 
one young man converted during his entire ministry, he would have 
had abundant cause for rejoicing. Neither he nor any of the church, 
however, could then have realized what mighty results were to follow 
from that one step of the young “Charlie” Payne. 



REV. GEO. SISSON. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1 43 


On January 6th, 1850, Charles H. Payne was granted a license as 
a local preacher. 

Rev. L. B. Bates, son of “Father” Bates, became pastor in 1861. 
“During these two years (1861-62), thirty-nine who were members of 
the church or Sunday school enlisted as soldiers in the Union army.” 

At the second Quarterly Conference, held July 1st, 1864, Otis H. 
Bates was licensed as a local preacher. Mr. Bates’ license was re- 
newed for many years and he had, to the end of his earthly life, an 
enviable reputation as a citizen, as a preacher, and as a Christian. 

In 1866 the present church edifice was completed (the old church 
having become “too narrow”), Rev. Mark Trafton, D. D., preaching 
the dedicatory sermon, October 11. Text: 1st Timothy, i, 5. 

During the pastorate of T. Snowdon Thomas, 1868, Lewis Bates 
Codding, now a member of our Conference, was converted. 

Edwin F. Jones was pastor in 1871, and organized, chiefly from 
among those converted that year, the North Dighton Praying Band. 
Charles F. Fales, still an active member and an official in the church, 
led the singing. This “Band” of young men was instrumental in 
leading many to Christ and the church. 

In 1874, during the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Ballou, John McVay, 
now a member of the Conference, was converted. 

The church was renovated thoroughly in 1884, Martin T. Braley, 
who had been converted and licensed to preach November 22, 1884, 
took part in the re-opening exercises held January 11 and 12, 1885, 
during the popular pastorate of G. H. Bates. Mr. Brayley is now a 
member of the Conference, stationed at Jewett City, Conn. 

In April, 1885, Frank P. Parkin was appointed to North Dighton. 
He remained three years (the full term at that time). It was during 
this pastorate that the church passed through its most trying ordeal. 
We quote from Parkin’s History of North Dighton Church: 

“Early in October, the now historic labor troubles, which ex- 
tended throughout the country during 1885-86, broke upon North 
Dighton. For four memorable months the great strike continued in 
the Dighton Furnace Co., and the town, as well as the church, passed 
through the most trying and critical period in their history. For a 
time the church was threatened with disruption. Churches in Wheel- 
ing, W. Va., and other places, from almost precisely similar causes, 
were nearly destroyed; but, by the blessing of God upon the means 
employed, that calamity was fortunately averted here. Notwith- 
standing the adverse circumstances special services were held, and a 
number of very clear conversions occurred. The pastor will ever re- 
member with deep gratitude the many expressions of sympathy, and 
the prayerful aid which he received in his efforts to preserve the unity 
of the church during this most critical hour in her history.” 


144 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Many reverses have come to this church in recent years. A large 
number of the leading business men, who were also’ official members 
in the church, have either been removed by death, or have found 
homes and business elsewhere. In the official board of the First 
Church, Taunton, may be found to-day, at least four members who 
were formerly connected with this church. 

The Dighton M. E. Church is a direct offspring from this church. 

During the four years service of Rev. C. H. Ewer, 1892-95,. 
twenty-five members of the church passed on to their reward. 

The business interests of the place have waned, and many Roman 
Catholics and other non-Methodists have come in to take places for- 
merly filled by Methodists. 

Still North Dighton Church is by no means an undesirable ap- 
pointment, the church having a membership of 157, and the Sunday 
school an enrollment of 248 members. 


1837- 

1838. 

1839- 

1840- 41. 
1842. 

1843- 

1844. 

1845- 

1846. 

1847-48. 

1849. 

1850. 
1851-52. 

1853- 

1854- 55- 

1856. 

1857- 

1858- 59. 


PASTORS. 


John Bayley 
David Culver 
Ephraim Capen 
Bryan Morse 
George H. Winchester 
Charles A. Carter 
Edward A. Lyon 
Abel Gardner 
Richard Donkersley 
William Cone 
Franklin Gavitt 
W. H. Richards 
Asa N. Bodfish 
Lawton Cady 
Carlos Banning 
Nathaniel Bemis 
Ormando N. Brooks 
Henry H. Smith 


i860. 

1861-62. 

1863-64. 

1865-67. 

1868. 

1869-70. 

1871. 

1872-74. 

1875-76. 

1877. 

1878-79. 

1880-81. 

1882-84. 

1885-87. 

1888-89. 

1890-91. 

1892-95. 

1896 — 


John N. Collier 
Lewis B. Bates 
Erastus Benton 
Asa N. Bodfish 
T. Snowdon Thomas 
W. H. Stetson 
Edwin F. Jones 
George W. Ballou 
George H. Bates 
J. W. Malcolm 
George W. Wright 
George H. Lamson 
George H. Bates 
Frank P. Parkin 
C. E. Brightman 
W. E. Kugler 
C. H. Ewer 
George A. Sisson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


J- R. Talbot, Joseph Philbrick, William B. Hathaway, Frank K. 
Chase, William L. White, Charles F. Ingalls, Charles H. Evans, Sr., 
George W. Marston, Charles H. Evans, Jr., N. H. Rose, Charles F. 
Fales, Eugene R. Rose, George W. Hunt, John H. Thornley, Mrs. 
Alice M. Hathaway, Mrs. Ida V. Codding, Mrs. Nettie A. Chase, Mrs. 
Emma A. Rose. 

Sunday School— Superintendent, Eugene F. Rose; Assistant Super- 
intendent, Mrs. Alice M. Hathaway; Secretary, Miss Emma White; 
Treasurer, Miss Anne Brownell; Librarian, N. H. Rose. 

Epworth League — President, Pastor; First Vice-President, Emma 
White; Second Vice-President, Ida White; Third Vice-President, Mrs. 
Alice M. Hathaway; Fourth Vice-President, Miss Maude Rose- Sec- 
retary, Miss Bertha Walsh ; Treasurer, Ralph M. Strange. 


A GROUP OF OUR SUPERANN UATES AND SUPERNUMERARIES. 

J O Thompson. G. H. Lamson. W. O. Cady. G. W. Stearns. * A. E. Hall. 

Wm. Turkington. R. Burn. H. W. Connant. E. L. Hyde. F. D. Sargent. 





M. E. CHURCH, NORTH TISBURY, MASS. 




Very early in the century the Methodist itinerants reached Mar- 
tha’s Vineyard, and the people of North Shore enjoyed the privileges 
thus afforded. 

In 1820 a class was organized by Eleazer Steele, and since that 

date Methodism has been repre- 
sented, and her preachers have 
found a home among this people. 
The school house or the homes of 
the people were depended upon for 
a place of worship until 1846, 
when Rev. A. B. Wheeler secured 
the necessary funds for a chapel. 
This was built during the same 
year, and dedicated by appropriate 
exercises, Rev. Daniel Wise com- 
ing from Nantucket to preach the 
sermon. Until 1857 the people of 
this charge were dependent upon 
the preachers of Vineyard Haven 
or Chilmark for pulpit supply. In 
that year Mr. McKinstry was ap- 
pointed, and the place has since 

enjoyed regular preaching. 

The need of a parsonage was greatly felt for several years. After 
much sacrifice by the people a sufficient sum was subscribed to justify 
a beginning, and in 1869 the present house was built. W. T. Miller 
was somewhat rewarded for his zeal 
in the enterprise by being privileged 
to be its first occupant. 

Prosperity continued to smile upon 
the labors of this people during the 
pastorate of Charles Stokes. An 
organ was purchased at this time, and 
at a meeting held by the trustees steps 
were taken to enlarge the church and 
erect a belfry. 

Mr. Stokes was succeeded by T. 

B. Gurney in 1876. He entered 
into the work of enlargement with 
a will. During the year the work 
was completed. The desk from 

which the gospel is proclaimed to this REV . c . w . RUO fp. 


NORTH TISBURY CHURCH. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


14 7 

people was made and presented to the church by Mr. Gurney at this 
time. 

Until 1881 the belfry was without an occupant, but the ladies and 
young people worked together, and the result of their work was made 
manifest during this year by the purchase of a $170 bell. 

While Mr. Fish ministered to this people (1883-85), the interior 
of the church was repaired. 

Mr. Wood labored (1888-90), and the church was shingled and 
painted. 

During the present pastorate much has been done towards improv- 
ing both the church and parsonage property. 

The spiritual affairs of the charge would require an account of 
each pastorate, as each pastor has accomplished good, and most have 
witnessed the conversion of souls and additions to the church. It is 
pleasant to remark, in this connection, that the writer of this article 
has heard some word of appreciation concerning every pastor since 
the appointment of Mr. McKinstry in 1857. 


PASTORS. 


1857- 

L. C. McKinstry 

1873- 

Moses Brown 

1858-59. 

Joseph Hunt 

1 874-75- 

Charles Stokes 

i860. 

Benjamin Haines 

1876-77. 

T. B. Gurney 

1861-62. 

Jason Gill 

1878. 

A. B. Bessey 

1863. 

Isaac B. Forbes 

1879. 

E. H. Hatfield ; 

1864-65. 

George Peirson 


J. B. Hamblin 

1866. 

David Cook and G. A. 

1880-82. 

J. B. Washburn 


Silfverston 

1883-85. 

J. S. Fish 

1867-68. 

James Dixon 

1886-87. 

J. B. Washburn 

1869-70. 

William T. Miller 

1888-90. 

James A. Wood 

1871. 

Lawton Cady, W. Cot- 

1891-93. 

C. P. Flanders 


tle and R. F. Macy 

1894. 

F. D. Sargent 

1872. 

R. F. Macy and C. G. 

1895. 

Walter A. Gardner 


Downing 

1896 — 

Chauncey W. Ruoff 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — President, Edward Cottle; Secretary, William Pease; 
Hiram Luce, H. Nelson Luce, O. S. Daggett. 

Stewards — Edward Cottle (R. S.), William L. Pease, Hiram Luce, 
H. Nelson Luce, Obed S. Daggett, Helen M. Luce, Maria R. Daggett. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Anson M. Luce; Assistant Su- 
perintendent, Edward Cottle; Treasurer, Helen M. Luce; Organist, 
Maud Washburn. Teachers, C. W. Ruoff, Maria R. Daggett, J. F. 
Luce, Mrs. Alice Look, Mrs. H. M. Luce. 


UNION CHURCH, NORTH TRURO, MASS. 

In the closing years of the last century Methodist itinerants came 
sowing the seed. North Truro, then known as Pond Village, was in- 
cluded in the circuit with Provincetown and Truro Center. There is 
no record of a class being formed till after the great revival of 1821, 

under Frederick Upham and 
others, when Ebenezer Atkins was 
appointed class leader, with a class 
of over twenty members. This 
was in 1822. 

After a few years the members 
at North Truro joined those at 
Truro Centre, in building a meet- 
ing-house at the latter place. This 
remained the church home of both 
societies for about fourteen years. 
The ministers stationed at Truro 
Centre, South Truro and a teacher 
in Provincetown, who afterwards 
became the first pastor in North 
Truro, held preaching services at 
private houses and at the school 
house. About 1834 a Sabbath 
school was organized, each mem- 
ber being taxed. 

In 1840 the Methodists of North 
Truro withdrew from the church 
at the Centre, and united with the Congregationalists of the north 
part of the town in building the present Union Church. The consti- 
tution provided that the pulpit should be supplied by Congregational 
and Methodist ministers alternately. The Methodist Sabbath school 
was changed to a Union school. The missionary collection is divided 
between the missionary societies of the two denominations. 

The church was built entirely by local workmen. During the 
pastorate of Isaac Sherman, extensive improvements were made, the 
building being raised and a vestry placed under it at an expense of 
$1,800. Credit for the success of the undertaking is universally given 
to Mr. Sherman. His picture adorns the vestry wall behind the desk. 

A parsonage and lot were purchased for $500 during Benjamin K. 
Bosworth’s pastorate. 

Revivals leaving permanent results occurred during John D. 
King’s and Isaac Sherman’s pastorates. 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


149 


PASTORS. 


With denomination to which they belong: M, Methodist; 
C, Congregationalist; A, Advent. 


1840-41. 

1842. 


1842-44. 

1845-46. 

1847-48. 

1849. 

1849-50. 

1851-53* 

1855* 

1856-58. 

1859. 

1860. 


Seth H. Beals, M 1861-62. 

Benjamin M. South- 1863-65. 
worth (died after 1866-68. 
three months. 1869-70. 

Osborn Myrick, C 1871-72. 
John D. King, M 1873. 

Arnold Adams, M 1874-77. 
Thomas Smith, A; 1878-81. 

three months, C 
George W. Rogers, M 1882-83. 
Samuel J. M. Lord, C 1884-86. 
Franklin Sears, M; six 1887. 

months 1888-90. 

Job Cushman, C 1891-92. 

Abram Holway, M ; six 1893-95. 

months 1896 — 

Malcolm D. Herrick, M 


Joseph A. Bartlett, M 
Philander Bates, C 
Charles Stokes, M 
Jacob W. Price, M 
H. W. S. Packard, M 
Joel Martin, M 
Isaac Sherman, M 
Charles Morgan, M 
then C 

Samuel Morrison, C 
Benj. K. Bos worth, M 
Frederic A. Crafts, M 
C. P. Flanders, M 
John E. Duxbury, M 
Charles A. Purdy, M 
Arthur H. Scudder, M 



REV. A. H. SCUDDER. 


MRS. A. H. SCUDDER. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Stewards — Mrs. Mary M. Fisher, John L. Rich (D. S.), Mrs. 
^Elizabeth C. M. Dutton, Mrs. Ida L. Lombard, Mrs. Amelia L. Rich, 
Mrs. Emma F. Smith, William F. Dutton. 

Class Leader — Mrs Elizabeth C. M. Dutton. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Mrs. Sarah F. Smith; Secretary, 
Mrs. Emma F. Smith; Treasurer, John L. Rich; Librarian, Arthur 
-Atwood. 


M. E. CHURCH, ORLEANS, MASS. 

In giving a history of the church, we find that it is difficult to 
obtain just the right information needed. In the early part of the 19th 
century there was organized a Reformed Methodist Church. I he 
date of its organization has long ago passed out of sight. We find a 

record of the first Sunday 
school in this church, 
which was organized on 
Sunday, August 2, 1827. 
All trace of this society is 
lost until 1836, when this 
Reformed Methodist or- 
ganization requested the 
Rev. Mr. Webb to supply 
them a minister from the 
Conference. The Confer- 
ence met in August of. the 
same year, and Rev. T. G. 
Brown was the man sent 
to Orleans as the first pas- 
tor of the M. E. Church 
proper. Rev. Mr. Brown and wife came to Orleans in September, 
and organized the M. E. Church. The first sacrament of the Lord’s 
Supper was administered in October, 1836, continued with a four days 
meeting and thirty-five precious souls found their way out of darkness 
into light. 

In 1838 the Rev. Philip Crandon, of sainted memory, was sta- 
tioned here, and on July 12th, 1838, commenced taking down the old 
church building, which was purchased by the M. E. Society, and work 
was begun on the present structure in a new location. The corner- 
stone of this house of worship was laid August 21st, 1838. At this 
time Rev. Mr. Crandon was absent and the Rev. Davis Lathrop of 
the Baptist Church was invited to come and offer the first prayer in the 
new Methodist Church building. 

November 16, 1838, saw the new enterprise completed, and at 
10.30 A. M. of the same day it was dedicated to Him who is the author 
of all grand enterprises. The prayer was offered by Rev. Joel Steele, 
and the sermon was preached by Rev. F. Upham, Presiding Elder. 
He selected for the foundation of his remarks John viii, 9-10. For 
nearly sixty years this society has stood the burden and heat of the day. 
It was born in an atmosphere of opposition and exists in the same 
to-day, but this has only tended to preserve and make it useful. The 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


I5i 


decline of the fishery industry has crippled it in numbers. On account 
of no employement here our people are compelled to move elsewhere 
for a livelihood. Our membership has decreased until it only numbers 



REV. G. O. THOMPSON. 


MRS. G. O. THOMPSON. 


about fifty active members, with a few passive ones. 

This sketch would not be complete without the mention of Mrs. 
Sarah E. Doane, daughter of Prince S. and Nancy B. Harding, who 



MISS FLOSSIE SMITH. MRS. SARAH E. DOANE. 

Epworth League President. 

were staunch Methodists, and who were among the first to lay the 
foundation of our church in this place so many years ago. I11 the 
year 1856, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Alexander, who 
conducted one of the most successful revivals ever held in this church, 


152 


SOUVENIR HISTORY . 


Mrs. Doane with about fifty others started on that long journey that 
knows no end. Most of this company are now traveling in the Heav- 
enly country. Mrs. Doane is still with us, and is one of our greatest 
factors in the light and life of the church. She has just placed in 
the church a memorial window in honor of her precious sainted father 
and mother. Long may she live to bless this church and community. 

The building is now undergoing a thorough repairing and remod- 
eling. A new tower has been built which is 55 feet high and a 1,200- 
pound bell placed in the same. Mr. A. O. Smith of Boston and others 
are preparing memorial windows for the church. When completed it 
will be one of the coziest little churches on the Cape. What the future 
of the church will be we cannot predict. But we know that He who 
watches the sparrow that falls, and waters the lily by the brook, and 
numbers the hairs of our heads, will care for His little church in Or- 
leans. Let us trust in Him. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Ezra Knowles, Thomas Smith, Jabez Sparrow, Gorge 
Fisk, Mrs. Oliver Doane, A. O. Smith, Mrs. Lizzie Smith, Mrs. 
Thankful Knowles, Mrs. Ellen Harding. 

Stewards — Ezra Knowles, Thomas Smith, A. O. Smith, George 
Fisk, Mrs. Ezra Knowles, Mrs. Ellen Harding, Mrs. Sarah E. Doane, 
Mrs. Lizzie Smith, Mrs. Mary E. Young. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Thomas Smith; Assistant Super- 
intendent, George Fisk; Secertarv, Asa O. Smith; Treasurer, 
Freeman Collins; Librarians, Miss Sadie Collins and Miss Grace Fisk. 

Teachers — Mrs. Mary E. Young, Mrs. Thankful Knowles, Mrs. 
Clara Smith, Mrs. A. F. Hurd, Miss Fannie M. Smith, Mrs. George 
Fisk, Ezra Knowles, Mrs. G. O. Thompson; Miss Grace Fisk, 
Organist. 

Epworth League — Organized October 21, 1889, by Rev. O. A. Far- 
ley, Chap. No. 1240— President, Miss Flossie Smith; Department 
Spiritual Work, Mrs. Lizzie Smith; Department Mercy and Help, Mrs. 
Clara Smith; Literary Department. Mrs. Susie Snow; Social, Miss 
Ethel T. Dyer; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Agnes Hall. 


M. E. CHURCH. OSTERVILLE, MASS. 

By Rev. George M. Fowles. 

The first Methodists of this village were members of the church 
at Marston’s Mills. In 1829 a class numbering about ten was organ- 
ized at Osterville with Oliver Hinckley as leader. The members of 
this class still retained their connection with the church at the Mills, 



THE OSTERVILLE CHURCH. 


and attended preaching services there, until 1846, when thirty-two 
withdrew from that church and formed a separate organization at 
Osterville. Services were held in the old Meeting-House until the 
following year, when a church building was erected at a cost of $2,500, 
all of which was provided for before dedication. A. M. Osgood was 
pastor. Robert M. Hatfield of 
Sandwich preached the dedi- 
catory sermon. 

In 1848 Osterville be- 
came a district charge, and 
John B. Hunt was stationed 
here as preacher in charge. 

During his pastorate the par- 
sonage was built and fur- 
nished. 

In 1858, while J. W. Wil- 
lett was pastor, a bell was 
purchased and placed in the 
tower. The vestry was built 
and furnished in 1862, while H. D. Robinson was stationed here. 

The first organ was placed in the church in 1869, during the 



i54 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


pastorate of C. N. Hinckley. This was replaced by the present organ 
in 1888, while E. B. Gurney was pastor. In 1890 the entire church 
was remodeled and refurnished at a cost of about $1,600, all of which 
was paid. F. H. Corson was pastor. 

An historical sketch of this church would not be complete without 
special mention of the labors and liberality of Oliver Hinckley and 
his wife. Both were converted in 1828, under the ministry of Enoch 
Bradley. Both were members of the first class formed in Osterville. 
Their house was the home of the Methodist preachers for over half 
a century. Father Hinckley, from the time of his appointment as 



FATHER HINCKLEY. 


REV. G. M. FOWLES. 


class leader in 1829, until his death in 1888, was an effective member 
of the official board. This church has been especially blessed in hav- 
ing loyal devoted Christian workers on the various boards. Of the 
original board of trustees, John A. Blossom served thirty-one years; 
Josiah Scudder, Jr., thirty years; George H. Hinckley, forty-four — all 
of which time he was secretary. Oliver Crocker is the only surviving 
member of that board. He has completed fifty years of official service, 
and for the last thirty years has been President of the Board of Trus- 
tees. Four ministers have been raised up in this church: E. B. Hinck- 
ley, C. N. Hinckley, James R. Goodspeed and G. B. Hinckley. The 
last-named was a local preacher. 

At present the membership is not as large as it once was, but 
Methodism still has a loyal band of workers here. Several of the first 
members of the church have been spared to bless the present genera- 
tion with their devotion and their prayers. All things considered, our 
church is prosperous now, and is looking forward to better things in 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


155 


the future. In closing this sketch we wish to state that of late years 
the church has found a number of friends and helpers among the 
summer visitors. One of these deserves especial mention. Mrs. J. W. 
Gaff, a noble Christian woman, by her influence, her presence at the 
church services, and her liberality, is a great help to the church and 
an example of a Christian abounding in good works while away 
from home to spend the summer season. 




MARY W. SCUDDER. OLIVER CROCKER. 

Sunday School Superintendent. President Board of Trustees. 


PASTORS. 


1847. 

A. M. Osgood 

1872-73. 

C. H. Ewer 

1848. 

John B. Hunt 

1875-76. 

J. W. Fitch 

1849. 

Nahum Tainter 

1876. 

D. C. Porter 

1850. 

John Tasker 

1877. 

G. H. Butler 

1851. 

J. B. Washburn 

1878. 

E. S. Fletcher 

1852. 

B. K. Bosworth 

1879-80. 

S. H. Day 

1853. 

J. C. Allen 

1881-83. 

G. A. Grant 

1854. 

John B. Hunt 

1884. 

W. W. Hall 

1855-56. 

John Collier 

1885-86. 

L. B. Codding 

1857-58. 

John W. Willett 

1887. 

C. H. Dalrymple 

1859-60. 

E. H. Colby 

1887. 

E. F. Newell 

1861-62. 

H. D. Robinson 

1888-89. 

E. B. Gurney 

1863-64. 

Edward Edson 

1890-91. 

F. H. Corson 

1865. 

Edward B. Hinckley 

1892-94. 

Oscar E. Johnson 

1866. 

E. M. Anthony 

1895. 

G. A. Sisson 

1867-69. 

C. N. Hinckley 

1896. 

O. A. Farley 

1870-71. 

S. P. Snow 

1897— 

George M. Fowles 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


156 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees and Stewards — Oliver H. Crocker, President; James R. 
Goodspeed, Secretary and Treasurer; Mrs. A. A. Cram (R. S.), James 
West, Bethuel Adams, Freeman Scudder, H. Foster Lewis, W. Scott 
Scudder, Albert Crocker, Edwin H. Lewis, Frances S. Dane, Martffa 
W. Crocker, Emma C. Cammett, Mary W. Scudder, Cora Lewis, 
Augusta H. Scudder. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Mrs. Mary Scudder; Secretary, 
Miss Mildred Patterson; Corresponding Secretary, Edwin H. Lewis; 
Treasurer, Miss Hannah Lewis; Librarian, Miss Etta Lovell. 

Epworth League — The Epworth League was organized September, 
1897, and has not yet elected officers for all the departments. At pres- 
ent those elected are as follows: President, George M. Fowles; Depart- 
ment Social Work, Miss Etta Lovell; Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Cora 
Lewis. 


M. E. CHURCH, CENTERVILLE, MASS. 

By Mrs. Bertha Sears Lewis. 

In the beginning of Centreville Methodism a few persons joined 
the Methodist church at Osterville. These few started a sewing circle 
at the home of Mrs. Susan Phinney. The first circle was held at the 
home of Mrs. Luther Phinney, where baked beans were served for 



THE CENTERVILLE CHURCH. 

supper. The articles made at these circles were sold at fairs. After 
a good many meetings of this kind from house to house, where the 
ladies sewed and chatted, enough money was realized to build the 
church. The church was dedicated in 1876. It has not been an inde- 
pendent church, but was joined with Osterville at first, and then Barn- 
stable. During the past two years it has been connected with Oster- 
ville. Among the preachers who have served this church, S. Hamil- 
ton Day, D. D. (now pastor of Grace M. E. Church, St- Augustine, 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


157 


Florida), deserves special mention. He came here in 1879 and re- 
mained two years. He and his talented wife labored heartily and 
successfully, and many abiding influences of his faithful work may be 
seen here. 

Rev. George A. Grant is also one of the pastors whose work was 
successful. He came here in 1887 on his first charge, remaining three 
years, attracting large congregations, and left with the love of the 
whole place. 

Lewis B. Codding was also very successful in his two years’ min- 
istry here, 1885-6. Osterville and Centreville were also his first 




LUTHER PHINNEY. R. E. CHILDS. 

charges. During special revival services he was assisted by a conse- 
crated layman, Hon. Franklyn Howland of Acushnet, Mass. A 
rather unique thing occurred during this revival. A circle of several 
of the most popular young women in this place who had become 
fascinated with dancing were converted, and the balls ceased- Ten of 
these young women were received into the church at one time, one 
of whom afterwards became the wife of Rev. E. F. Newell, while the 
others became women of influence in this and other communities. 

Rev. Rennetts C. Miller, the editor of this Souvenir History, 
came to us in April, 1892, as he was closing his theological course in 
Boston University, and began his ministry here, preaching also at 
Barnstable the same year. He found the congregations small and 
the people greatly discouraged. By his energetic efforts, abundant 
enthusiasm and natural oratorical ability the congregations increased 
till the church was filled. No difficulty was experienced in raising 
money for the various objects of the church. The revival of that year 
left some permanent spiritual results for his labor. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


158 


Rev. Sarah A. Dixon, daughter of Mr. William Dixon of Barn- 
stable, was sent here in 1894 as a “supply” during her college course 
in Boston University. She attracted large congregations every Sab- 
bath. The interest was undiminished from the beginning to the end 
of her two years pastorate. Her consecrated life, faithful pastorkl 
work, and eloquent, thoughtful sermons have left a deep impression 
on this place. 

During the past few years this little church has had to face some 
hard problems, and what the future will be is as yet uncertain. Since 
last April, Rev. G. M. Fowles, a student in Boston University School 
of Theology, has been supplying the pulpit with great satisfaction to 
the people. 


PASTORS. 


1877. George H. Butler 

1878. Ephraim S. Fletcher 
1879-80. S. Hamilton Day 
1881-83. George A. Grant 
1884. Winfield W. Hall 
1885-86. Lewis B. Codding 
1887 to Jan. 1, ’88. C. H. Dal- 

rymple 

1888-89. Elmer F. Newell 


1889. 

George Bernreuter 

1890. 

Robert S. Moore 

1891. 

J. F. Prior 

1892. 

Rennetts C. Miller 

1893. 

J. S. Meracle 

1 894-95. 

Sarah A. Dixon 

1896. 

O. A. Farley 

1897. 

George M. Fowles 


HENRY B. SEARS. 




MRS. EUNICE PHINNEY (deceased). 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Stewards — Henry B. Sears, C. H. Sears, Augustus F. Childs, 
Mrs. Tryphosa Lewis, Mrs. Phoebe Childs, Mrs. Hannah Childs! 
Nathan H. Bearse. 

Trustees — Luther Phinney, Nathan H. Bearse, R. E. Childs, 
Reuben Childs, Benjamin Childs, Edward W. Childs, Henry B. Sears! 
Sunday School Superintendent — Nathan H. Bearse. 


MEMORIAL M. E. CHURCH, PLYMOUTH, MASS. 

Early itinerant ministers, traveling from Boston down to Cape Cod, 
often passed 1 a night and preached at Plymouth. Among them were 
Revs. George Pickering, Francis Asbury, Father Taylor, and in the 
later time, B. Otheman, and Frederick Upham. By these and others, 
Methodism was introduced to the attention of the people, as also by 
the settlement of Methodists from other places. Wisely divining the 



PLYMOUTH MEMORIAL CHURCH. 


outlook, Rev. Frederick Upham, D. D., then Presiding Elder, organ- 
ized a Methodist Church December 4, 1842, consisting of fourteen 
members and eleven probationers. Rev. E. B. Bradford was preacher 
in charge for the remainder of the year, when Nelson Goodrich was 
stationed here for 1 843 -44. From 1845 to the Society was with- 
out a stationed pastor. 

Classes were often formed and as often failed of permanent organ- 
ization. There was one man, prominent among these, who had been 
converted in Duxbury, through whose influence these scattered mem- 
bers were at length collected into a church. This was William R. 
Drew, who still lives to see the result of the work done in those early 
years. ; ; 


i6o 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Previous to the organization, casual sermons were preached in 
private residences, Brown’s Hall, and the Green Meeting House, 
which was hired about two years. 

In February, 1852, the Robinson Congregational Church was 
purchased. 

In 1869 under the direction and by the labor of Rev. William 



PLYMOUTH MEMORIAL PARSONAGE. 

Livesey the house was raised and a vestry added. It was otherwise 
repaired and beautified, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. 



REV. E. F. CLARK. MRS. E. F. CLARK. 


Soon after a parsonage was secured though the debt on it was 
not paid till 1881. 

The continued growth of the Society made possible the change 
of location and the building of a new church. A new lot was secured 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


161 


opposite the Court House on Court Street, and the present commo- 
dious house was erected at a cost of nearly twenty-six thousand dollars. 

The honor of its erection fell to Rev. Walter J. Yates, who laid 
the corner-stone October 4, 1884. This, known as the Memorial 


\ ... 


■ r? v Vi 

w : 






: V 

M 



MRS. P. R. CLIFFORD. 

Sunday School Superintendent. 

H. L. JOHNSON. 

Epworth League President. 


Church, was dedicated June 9, 1886, under the successful pastorate of 
Rev. George H. Bates. 

The parsonage was sold at this time and a commodious house 
provided near the church. A new street was laid out just south of 



R. S. DOUGLASS. 



WILLIAM R. DREW. 
President Board of Stewards. 


the church. This added much to the value and beauty of the church . 
as it placed the church on a corner lot. Adjacent land has been 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


162 


bought, and when the environment has been completed, the view will 
be one of the most desirable in the Conference. 

While most pastorates have witnessed conversions, some are 
especially memorable in this direction. The pastorates of Revs. 
Moses Chase and George H. Bates command especial notice. 

Its financial history is redolent with honor, personal sacrifice and 
liberality. The cost of Memorial Church was twenty-five thousand 
six hundred and thirty-eight dollars, and while others were liberal, 
the munificence of William R. Drew and Roswell S. Douglass merits 
lasting gratitude. 

PASTORS. 


1843-44. 

Nelson Goodrich 

1871. 

1845-51- 

No regular ministry. 

1872. 

1852. 

Lorenzo' White 

1873. 

1853-54- 

Moses Chase 

1874-76. 

1855- 

William Kellen 

1877. 

1856. 

Carlos Banning 

1878. 

1857- 

Edward H. Hatfield 

1879-81. 

1858. 

E. K. Colby 

1882-84. 

1859- 

Robert Clark 

1885-87. 

1860-61. 

Thomas Sleeper 

1888-89. 

1862-63. 

Franklin Gavitt 

1890-92. 

1864-66. 

George F. Pool 

1893-96. 

1867-68. 

Henry H. Martin 

1897 — 

1869-70. 

William Livesey 



Theodore M. House 
Augustus W. Mills 
George A. Morse 
John W. Malcolm 
James O. Thompson 
Frederic A. Crafts 
John H. Allen 
Walter J. Yates 
George H. Bates 
Joseph H. James 
George E. Brightman 
John H. Newland 
Edgar F. Clark 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Official Board — William R. Drew, Roswell S. Douglass, Winslow 
Rickard, W. P. Rickard, C. E. Stevens, John E. Jordan, William Grant- 
ham, J. F. Moore, J. B. Briggs, James Skillman, W. T. Burbank, 
Lyman F. Tripp, W. H. Henry, James Gyngell, Harry L. Johnson, 
C. L. Johnson. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Mrs. P. R. Clifford; Assistant 
Superintendent, H. L. Johnson; Secretary, Mrs. Otis B. Morton; 
Treasurer, William T. Burbank; Superintendent Primary Department, 
Miss Lizzie F. Morton. 

Epwortli League — President, Harry L. Johnson; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, S. William Churchill; Second Vice-President, Mrs. F. J. Doug- 
lass; Third Vice-President, Miss Grace W. Irwin; Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent, Miss Gertrude C. Bennett; Secretary, Miss Mary B. Magee; 
Treasurer, Arthur E. Austin. 


M. E. CHURCH, CHILTONVILLE, MASS. 

“RUSSELL MILLS.” 

It was dedicated January i, 1840. Elder William Faunce, the 
founder (residing at that time at what is now called Russell Mills), 
was a nailer by trade, and being very much interested in Christian 
work, conceived the idea of building a church. 

His education was very limited, and having no funds of his own 



THE CHILTONVILLE CHURCH. 


to carry on the work, contributions were solicited from any who were 
willing to lend a helping hand. 

The Fourth Congregational Church of Chiltonville being just 
completed, and the carpenters having lumber left over from the build- 
ing, agreed to sell it to Mr. Faunce at a discount and erect the church 
on very easy terms. 



MISS KATE W. HADAWAY. 
Asst. Superintendent Sunday School. 


MISS DELLA NEWHALL. 

Third Vice-President Epworth League. 


164 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


The dedication took place in the morning, and the ordination of 
the pastor (Mr. William Faunce) in the afternoon. The church or- 
ganized consisted of ten persons, and was called the Christian Baptist 
Church. Mr. Faunce was pastor of the same about eighteen years, 
and then took a new field of labor at Mattapoisett, where he Still 
resides. 

After a few weeks, there being a division of opinion in the church, 
Rev. Mr. May all, from the Protestant Methodist Church, was chosen 
to fill the vacancy. In about six months’ times he was succeeded by 
Rev. Mr. Tozer, who remained about the same length of time. The 
next in succession was Rev. Mr. Carter, and at the end of the year he 
was succeeded byRev.Mr. Smith for the space of two years. Rev. Mr. 
Clark then filled the vacancy about four years. After he left Rev. 
Mr. Taylor preached here occasionally for a few months, and then the 
church was closed until ten years ago. 

The M. E. Church at Plymouth, 
through the influence of Mr. Arnold, 
to whom much praise is due, interested 
itself in the matter and accepted it as 
a branch of that church, it having no 
separate organization of its own. 

Rev. Oscar Johnson was the first pas- 
tor, for about two years, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Oscar Hillard for 
the same space of time. The next 
in succession were Rev. Edwin S. 

Tasker, who remained for seven 
months; Rev. C. B. Allen, sixteen 
months; Rev. Mr. Houldgate, nine 
months; Rev. Mr. Sawyer, suc- 
ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. 

Xenophon McKee Fowler. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, X. M. Fowler; Assistant Super- 
intendent, Kittie W. Hadaway; Secretary and Treasurer, Mary L. 
King; Librarian, Mrs. Sarah Thurston. 

Epworth League — President, X. M. Fowler; First Vice-President, 
Miss Mary L. King; Second Vice-President, Miss Della Newhall; 
Third Vice-President, Mrs. S. Bennett; Secretary, Mrs. J. B. S. Had- 
away; Assistant Secretary, Miss Kittie W. Hadaway; Treasurer, Miss 
Mary L. King. 



TWO DISTINGUISHED WRITERS OF METHODISM WHOSE ACTIVE MINISTRY WAS SPENT LARGELY IN THIS CONFERENCE 







CENTENARY M. E. CHURCH, PROVINCETOWN, MASS. 




In the autumn of the year 1847 some of the prominent members 
of the only Methodist church in Provincetown were led seriously to 
consider the matter of a second Methodist church, to be located in 

the western part of the town, for 
the better accommodation of many 
whose residences were in that sec- 
tion. 

The Rev. William .T. Harlow, 
Presiding Elder of the District, 
was consulted, and encouraged the 
people to carry out their plans. 
Accordingly, in January of 1848, 
Freeman Atkins, Samuel Soper 
and Rufus L. Thatcher, in behalf 
of the new society, purchased an 
edifice which had been the property 
and the place of worship of the 
Universalist Society. 

In the following March the car- 
penters were set to work remodel- 
ing the building, and in six months’ 
time the building was ready for 
occupancy. At this time, Septem- 
ber, 1848, ninety-one members 
of the Centre withdrew for the purpose of forming the new society. 
The pastor of this flock was the Rev. Samuel Fox, whose first sermon 
was based on the text found in the 
Second Epistle of Paul to the Corin- 
thians, the thirteenth chapter, the fifth 
verse: “Examine yourselves, whether 
ye be in the faith; prove your own 
selves.” 

Some of the company present on 
that occasion yet remain among 
us; others, many others, have gone 
to the church triumphant. The 
name which the ' young society 
adopted and by which it was known 
for nearly a score of years, was the 
“Wesley Chapel.” In 1865 the 
project of a new house of worship 

was discussed by the members of rev. c. e. Harris. 


CHURCH 


CENTENARY 


PROVINCE- 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


167 


Wesley Chapel. The Rev. J. F. Sheffield, at this time pastor of the 
church, labored hard for the new church and brought the scheme well 
forward prior to the appointment of his successor. Arrangements for 
building were perfected, and on June 14, 1866, with the Rev. George 
W. Bridge as captain of the host, the people went up to the feast of 
dedication. The sermon on that occasion was preached by the Rev. 
Jesse T. Peck, D. D., Chancellor of Syracuse University, and in 1872 
made a Bishop in the Methodist-Episcopal Church. For a little more 
than thirty years the Centenary Church has worshipped in this spacious 
and beautiful edifice. 





MYRON C. ATWOOD, 
Treasurer for seventeen years. 


WALLACE CUTTER, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


PASTORS. 


1848. Samuel Fox 
j 849-50. Azariah B. Wheeler 
1851-52. John Livesey, Jr. 
1853-54. Josiah Higgins 
1855-56. N. P. Philbrook 
x 857-58. B. K. Bosworth 
1859-60. J. T. Wright 
1861-62. I. Cooper 
1863-64. J. F. Sheffield 
1865-66. George W. Bridge 
1867. George M. Hamlet? 
1868-69. Shadrach Leader 
1870-71. Andrew J. Kenyon 
1872. John Livesey 


1872-73. William McK. Bray 
1874-76. George A. Morse 
1 877-79. George H. Bates 
1880-81. George W. Hunt 
1882-83. John H. Allen 
1884. Warren Applebee 
1885-86. George C. King 
1887-88. Thomas J. Everett 
1889-91. Samuel McBurney 

1892. A. A. Kidder 

1893. A. N. Searles 
1894-95. George A. Grant 
1896 — Charles E. Harris 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1 68 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Parish Committee — Benjamin H. Dyer, Nathan Young, Fred E. 
Williams, Seth Smith, Henry T. Chipman, Myrick C. Atwood. 

Trustees — Seth Smith, Nathan Young, Benjamin H. Dyer, B. O. 
Gross, Andrew T. Williams, L. M. Paine, Stephen F. Atwood, Fred- 
erick A. H. Gifford, Cushing H. Emery. 

Stewards — Nathan Young, B. O. Gross, Benjamin H. Dyer, Seth 
Smith, Cushing H. Emery, Alfred J. Emery, Nathaniel W. Ayers, 
Frederick A. H. Gifford, Stephen F. Atwood, Charles L. Young, 
William S. Birge, Ella F. Birge, Priscilla B. Young (R. S.), Seth 
Smith (D. S.), Benjamin H. Dyer. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Wallace Cutter; Assistant Super- 
intendent, Mary E. Sparrow; Secretary and Treasurer, Andrew T. 
Williams; Librarian, Myrick C. Atwood; Assistant Librarians, Fred 
E. Williams, Louis Allen. Teachers — L. N. Paine, James Callaghan, 
Emily F. Smith, Phebe E. Freeman, Priscilla B. Young, Mary E. 
Sparrow, Millie F. Qiace, Charles E. Harris, Rebecca L. Nickerson, 
Millie F. Young, Alice Young, Louise Atwood, Clara L. Watson, 
H. E. Holmes, Louise Ellis. 


REV. G. M. HAMLEN, D. D., AND HIS WORK. 

In the fall of 1888 Dr. Hamlen was invited to take the financial 
agency of Mallalieu Seminary, Kinsey, Alabama, a school which had 
Ead a delicate life for five or six years, and at the time of his acceptance 
was regarded as a sort of forlorn hope. After spending a few months 



PRES. G, M. HAMLEN AND WIFE. 

in presenting the work to the people as occasion offered, he went 
South to visit the work, and in connection with Mrs. Hamlen they 
-spent some three months there studying the situation. Poverty and 
illiteracy met them on every hand, but what seemed stranger than 
these was the insatiate desire on the part of so large a proportion of 
the people, old and young, to profit by the school privileges offered 
them. Parents were willing, and in most cases compelled, to make 
unusual sacrifices that their children could attend school. 

Most of the students now in school are aided from the “Indigent 
Students’ Fund.” Were this larger many more might be in attend- 
ance. After one year’s service as Financial Agent he was unani- 
mously elected president of the institution, which position he still 
Folds. Under his administration the institution has been freed from 
-an onerous debt. Several acres of land have been purchased and a 
large dormitory has been built, in accordance with a plan sent from 
Cairo, Egypt, by Bishop Mallalieu. This is the largest building in 
Plenry County and gives students who cannot afford to pay five dol- 
lars a month for board an opportunity to board themselves. There 
Eave been enrolled 180 students during the year. A special act of 
legislature protects the village from the saloon for a radius of two 
miles. Conversions occur all through the year. 

Dr. Hamlen is now seeking an endowment fund. Fifty thousand 
-dollars would put this institution beyond any fear of failure (finan- 
cially), and the invitation could be extended to all our poor brethren 
•in white, “Send in your children.” 


CENTRE M. E. CHURCH, PROVINCETOWN, MASS. 

The spacious and beautiful harbor of Provincetown has been 
known to civilization since the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers here in 
the bleak November of 1620, and their tarry of a month before going 
to Plymouth for their final settlement. Next to the Mayflower, the 

most important vessel which has 
found shelter in these hospitable 
waters is that of Captain William 
Humbert. He was on his way 
from New York to St. John, New 
Brunswick. Adverse winds made 
the voyage hard and perilous, and 
wind-bound he sought refuge here. 
He was a local preacher, the first 
Methodist to visit Provincetown, 
where, in 1793, he proclaimed our 
distinctive doctrines. 

The seed soon took root 
and within two years the first 
house of worship was erected, 
the society duly organized and 
Provincetown established as one 
of the stations on the Sand- 
wich district. The name ap- 
centre church, provincetown. P ears for the first time in the list 

of appointments at the Conference 
held in New London, Conn., July 15, 1795. George Cannon was the 
first circuit preacher, and Jesse Lee the first presiding elder. 

While Methodist doctrine was taking firm hold upon the 
hearts of the people, it was also stirring up bitter opposition. The 
town, by formal vote in a pub- 
lic meeting, declared that the 
Methodists should not have 
a house of worship within 
its limits. Deeming their 
rights invaded, the heroic 
band proceeded to build. But 
persecution continued for 30 
years, so that it was far from 
being safe, not to say respect- 
able, to be a Methodist. 

Men piled up fish heads 
on the shore for boys 




CENTRE CHURCH PARSONAGE. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


171 

to throw at the Methodists as they went to church. Many a woman 
crawled on her hands and knees under the fish flakes in order to avoid 
the insults sure to be heaped upon her. So great were these abuses 
that at one time some 30 or 40 members of the early church removed 
in a company to the state of Maine, where they might live in peace and 



REV. W. P. BUCK. MRS. W. P. BUCK. 

worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. As 
the Puritans fled from religious intolerance in England, so fled these 
Methodists from the persecutions of the descendants of these Puritans 
on the very shore of the new world first trod by Pilgrim feet. 

But these years of trial were not without their triumphs. God 
added to the church year by year such as were being saved. A large 
increase in the classes and in the mem- 
bership and influence of the church 
soon followed. For years now about 
three-fourths of the Protestant popula- 
tion are Methodists. 

Besides many smaller harvests, 
powerful revivals occurred under the 
labors of Messrs. Kibby, Bidwell, 

Townsend and Young. Its love of 
music and its gift for song, its power 
of exhortation and of prayer, have 
marked the church for years. 

A good number were added to the 
church and $3,000 were raised and 
spent on repairs during the pastorate 
of C. A. Stenhouse. The pastorates Sunday sch^oi^w^tendent. 





172 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


of P. M. Vinton, R. Povey and other earlier pastorates have 
been generally successful. (Here it ought to be said that the present 
pastorate has been specially blessed with a gracious revival. — Editor.) 

Its present splendid edifice, the fourth in the history of the church,, 
was built in 1860-61 and dedicated by Mr. Hatfield. It is an archi- 
tectural gem, its graceful spire 162 feet in height; it contains 128. 
pews, seating 900 persons, and cost $22,000. In neatness, conven- 
ience and elegance, it is one of the finest churches in our Conference. 
Its centennial was appropriately celebrated in 1895. 


1795- 

1796. 

1797. 

1798. 

1799. 

1800. 

1801. 

1802. 

1803. 

1804. 

1805. 

1806. 
1807-12. 
1812-24. 
1824-25. 
1826-27. 
1828-29. 
1830-31. 

1832-33. 

1834- 

1835- 36. 
1837-38. 

1839. 

1840. 

1841. 


PASTORS. 

George Cannon 1842-43. 

Robert Yallelee 1844-45. 

Jacob Ricklow 1846-47. 

Smitt Weeks 1848-49. 

William Beaucamp 1850-51. 

John Merrick 1852-53. 

Solomon Langdon 1854-55. 

Edward Whittle 1856-57. 

Allen H. Cobb 1858-59. 

Alfred Metcalf 1860-61. 

Philip Munger 1862. 

Elijah Willard 1863-64. 

Alexander McLane 1865-66. 

Epaphras Kibby 1867-68. 

Shipley W. Willson 1869-71. 

Leonard Bennett 1872-73. 

Epaphras Kibby 1874-76. 

Ebenezer Blake 1877-79. 

Ephraim Wiley 1880-81. 

John E. Risley 1882-83. 

Frederick Upham 1884-86. 

Ira M. Bidwell 1887-89. 

Ezekiel W. Stickney 1890-92. 

Aaron D. Sargent 1893-94. 

Samuel W. Coggeshall 1895 — 


Paul Townsend 
John Lovejoy 
William T. Harlow 
Elisha B. Bradford 
Pardon T. Kinney 
William Livesey 
Robert McGonegal 
Merritt P. Alderman 
Asa N. Bodfish 
Edward H. Hatfield 
Josiah T. Benton 

G. W. Bridge 
A. P. Aiken 

C. S. Macreading 
Charles Young 
J. H. Tames 
E. F. Clark 
Angelo Canoll 

H. H. Martin 

A. William Seaverv 
W. W. Colburn 
P. M. Vinton 
Charles A. Stenhouse 
Richard Povey 
Walter P. Buck 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees and Stewards — Joseph Whitcomb, Obadiah Snow, 
Stephen Mott, Josiah Swift, Byley Lyford, Reuben S. Snow, Silas C. 
Mott, E. O. Snow, W. K. Nickerson, D. M. McKay, and George 
Hubbard. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Daniel M. McKay; First Assist- 
ant Superintendent, Mrs. M. Emma Smith ; Second Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Rev. E. B. Hinckley; Secretary, Betty D. Rich; Treasurer, 
Louis M. Snow; Librarian, William A. McKay; Chorister, Obadiah 
Snow; Pianist, Mrs. Cora G. W. Fuller. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1 73 


Teachers — Mrs. D. A. Small, Mrs. Mary McIntyre, Mrs. Salome C. 
Hawes, Mrs. Thomas S. Taylor, Miss Hannah Verge, Miss Rosilla 
McKay, Rev. E. B. Hinckley, Mrs. Heman Smith, Mrs. Isaac Lewis, 
Miss Sarah Hatch, Obadiah Snow, Joseph Whitcomb, Miss Angie 
Bell, Miss Josephine Johnson, Rev. W. P. Buck, Miss Cora Daggett, 
Miss Myra C. Burt, Mrs. William Roberts; Mrs. Alice A. H. Young, 
Superintendent Primary Department; Mrs. A. L. Putnam, Assistant. 


M. E. CHURCH, SAGAMORE, MASS. 

Sagamore was formerly “West Sandwich,” and the people, in 
order to attend the Methodist Church, were obliged to go to Sand- 
wichtown, two miles or more from their homes. But that was at a 
time when Methodist zeal made the miles seem short and people were 
willing to travel far to hear Methodist preaching. 

In 1830, however, it was thought best to erect a church in Saga- 
more, and Benjamin Burgess, Covell Burgess and Herman Gurney 

were appointed a building commit- 






tee, and it was largely due to the 
financial help of the first-named 
member of the committee that the 
entire cost of the church, $3,000, 
was soon paid. 

Rev. Frederick N. Upham, D. 
D., that “Apollo Belvedere” 
among the early preachers on the 
Cape, wrote the deed and that 
deed remains sure and steadfast 
like “the law of the Medes and 
Persians, that altereth not.” 

It is a notable fact that at the 
“church raising” just 100 men were 
present. 

The church was large and com- 
modious, having a gallery and 
choir-loft, and in those days it was often crowded to overflowing. 

But during the pastorate of Rev. S. F. Whidden, in 1868, the 
galleries were taken out and the church remodeled and a new furnace 
put in at a cost of about $1,400. Mr. Hiram Crowell, though not a 
church member, and yet like Hiram of Tyre, who helped Solomon 
build the temple, was the leader in this work. 

At the present time the people are giving liberal subscriptions 
for further improvements in the church. 


THE SAGAMORE CHURCH. 


174 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Sagamore shared in great revivals that swept over the church in 
early days. During the pastorates of Rev. H. Mayo, Lewis Bates, 
James H. Cooley and S. Frank Whidden, there were remarkable re- 


REV. E. E. PHILLIPS. 


MRS. E. E. PHILLIPS. 


vivals. But perhaps the greatest revivals of all was in the forties, 
when a layman in the Reformed Church, Nathan Howes, came up 
the Cape and held meetings among the people. There have been 




REV. J. F. THURSTON, MRS. GEO. W. STARBUCK, 

Local Preacher. Epworth League President. 

revivals here under the preaching of other pastors, and also through 
the efforts of men like Dunbar, Steele and the famous J. N. Maffit, 
who preached in this church some of his most powerful sermons. 






SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


175 


Rev. Joseph Marsh of Sandwich supplied this church many times. 
Masterful preaching was not without good results. 

During the pastorate of Rev. J. F. Sheffield, a parsonage was 
bought at Bournedale — once North Sandwich — and moved to Saga- 
more. The whole cost amounted to about $1,600. Rev. F. Gavitt 
first occupied it in 1866. 

PASTORS. 


At first this charge was joined with Sandwich, and the earliest 
records state: 


1836. 

^837- 

1838. 

1839-40. 

I84I-42. 

1843- 

1844. 


1845- 

1846- 47. 

1848. 

1849. 
1850-51. 
1852-53. 
I854-55- 
1856-57. 
1858-59. 

l860-6l. 

1862. 


Ii. Mayo 1863-64. 

Sandwich and Scusset, 1865. 

H. H. Smith 1866. 

Samuel Phillips 1867-69. 

Warren Emerson 1870. 

E. B. Bradford 1871-72. 

G. F. Pool 1873. 

Franklin Gavitt (then 1874-75. 

as a separate ap- 1876. 

pointment). 1877. 

Thomas Ely 1878-79. 

Lewis Bates 1880-81. 

Left to be supplied. 1882-83. 

J. D. Butler 1884-85. 

G. H. Winchester 1886-87. 

B. L. Sayer 1888. 

Thomas D. Blake 1889-90. 

James B. Washburn 1891-92. 

James H. Cooley 1893-94. 

Avell Alton 1895 — 

Thomas D. Sleeper 


B. T. Bosworth 
John F. Sheffield 
F Gavitt 

S. Frank Whidden 
R. F. Macy 
H. B. Cady 
Philip Crandon 
A. N. Bodfish . 
Charles E. Walker 
Heflin S. Smith 
Archibald McCord 
George H. Butler 
George H. Lamson 
Robert Clark 
Edward A. Lyon 
Hugh Copeland 
E. F. Newell 
M. B. Wilson 
William Kirkby 
E. E. Phillips 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — Calvin Crowell, William C. Gibbs, L. R. Leavitt, A. T. 
Rogers, Hiram Crowell, Isaac N. Keith. 

Stewards — Calvin Crowell, William C. Gibbs, L. R. Leavitt, A. T. 
Rogers, Mrs. M. O. Leavitt, Mrs. H. M. Burgess, Mrs. H. R. Burgess, 
Mrs. Mary D. Packard, Mrs. George W. Starbuck, Mrs. Sarah P. 
Battles. 

Sunday School— Superintendent, Pastor; Assistant Superintendent, 
Rev. J. F. Thurston; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. M. O. Leavitt; 
Librarian, George W. Starbuck. 

Ep worth League — President, Mrs. George W. Starbuck; First 
Vice-President, Mrs. Albert Holway; Second Vice-President, Miss 
Cora Thompson; Third Vice-President, Rev. J. F. Thurston; Fourth 
Vice-President, Mrs. Jennie F. Perkins; Secretary, Miss Ada Crowell; 
Treasurer, Miss Christine Crowell. 

Local Preacher — J. F. Thurston, Bournedale. 


M. E. CHURCH, SANDWICH, MASS. 

Methodism in Sandwich is one .hundred years old. Although 
Jesse Lee preached in the town in 1796, it was not until 1797 that the 
society was formed by Rev. Joshua Hall. The first meeting-house 
was dedicated October 25, 1828, by Rev. John Lindsey, and the pres- 



THE SANDWICH CHURCH. 


ent edifice was dedicated January 7, 1848, by Rev. Abel Stevens. 

The early history of this old church is almost wholly a history of 
revivals, notable ones occurring during the pastorates of F. Upham, 


REV. J. E. BLAKE. 


MRS. GRACE A. BLAKE. 


E. B. Bradford, C. H. Payne, W. T. Worth, John Livesey and S. M. 
Beale. 

For the last few years business has declined, as it has in most of 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


m 


the towns of Cape Cod, and Sandwich has lost twenty-five per cent, of 
her population, yet the church sounds no note of discouragement, 
and shows an increase of membership. 



THE SANDWICH PARSONAGE. 


PASTORS. 


We must remember that for many years Sandwich belonged to a 
circuit; then there will be no confusion if the same names appear in 
other sketches beside the same dates. 


1797-99. 

Joshua Hall, 

Joseph 


Snelling, Epaphras 


Kibby, and 
Jones 

Reuben 

1800. 

Daniel Fiddler 


1801. 

Joshua Soule 


1802-5. 

Daniel Fiddler, Solo- 


monLangden, Daniel 
Bachelor, Joseph 
Snelling, Due Bur- 
gess and Moses Cur- 
rier 

1806. Nathan Ryder and 
Erastus Otis 

1807-8. Thos. Asbury, Nathan 
Stearns, Joseph Snell- 
ing 


1809. B. F. Lumbert 

1810. Stephen Bailey 
1811-12. Aaron Lummins and 

Levi Nye 

1813-14. Stephen Bailey 
1815-16. J. W. Hardy, Richard 
Emory, Benjamin 
Hoit and Moses Fi- 
field 

1817. Benjamin Hoit and 
Moses Fifield 

1818-19. Rev. Mr. Hazelton — 
Barnstable was add- 
ed at this time 

1820-22. E. T. Taylor. F. Up- 
ham and Rev. Mr. 
Brown 


Joseph Merrill, Falmouth, was 
1823-24. A. O. Sargent and Jon- 
athan Mayhew 

1825. Erastus Otis, John 
Hutchinson and J. N. 


Maffit 


added to the circuit at this time. 
1826-27. F. Upham — Falmouth 
dropped at this time 

1828. Enoch Bradley and Na- 

than B. Spaulding 

1829. F. Upham and Lemuel 

Harlow 


178 

SOUVENIR HISTORY . 

1830. 

F. Upham and R. D. 

1851. 

Micah J. Talbot 


Esterbrook, assisted 

1852. 

E. B. Bradford 


by Joseph Marsh, a 

1853-54. 

H. W. Houghton 


talented local preach- 

1855-56. 

B. Otherman 


er, whose success was 

1857- 

C. H. Payne 


marvellous and who 

1858-59. 

N. P. Philbrook 


died at an advanced 

1860-61. 

Nathaniel Bemis 


age, a member be- 

1862-63. 

W. V. Morrison 


loved of this church 

1864-65. 

W. T. Worth 

1831. 

Joseph Steele 

1866-67. 

W. H. Starr 

1832. 

Joseph Steele, C. C. 

1868. 

Charles Young 


Noble, and Joseph 

1869. 

Andrew J. Kenyon 


Marsh 

1870-71. 

A. W. Paige 

1833. 

John J. Bliss and J. 

1872-74. 

John Livesey 


Litch 

1875-76. 

Charles S. Nutter 

1834. 

George Stone 

1877-78. 

Eben Tirrell, Jr. 

1835-36. 

Henry Mayo 

1879. 

E. S. Fletcher 

1837. 

Henry M. Smith 

1880-81. 

Silas Sprouls 

1838. 

Samuel Phillips 

1882-83. 

J. Q. Adams 

1839-40. 

Warren Emerson 

1884-86. 

S. M. Beale 

1841-42. 

E. B. Bradford 

1887-88. 

O. A. Farley 

1843. 

George F. Pool 

1889-90. 

Robert Clark 

1844. 

Franklin Gavitt 

1891-92. 

R. J. Kellogg 

1845-46. 

Thomas Ely 

1893-94. 

G. W. Elmer 

1847-48. 

Robert M. Hatfield 

1895. 

C. N. Plinckley 

1849-50. 

James O. Butler 

1896 — 

John E. Blake 



J. S. SMITH, 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


H. L. CHIPMAN, 
Epworth League President. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


179 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — John S. Smith, P. T. Brown, W. C. Chipman, Benjamin 
Irwin, F. A. Fisher, I. T. Jones, S. O. Ellis, F. W. Holway. 

Stewards — John S. Smith, P. T. Brown, W. P. Chipman, H. L. 
Chipman, Benjamin Irwin, F. N. Holway, G. R. Fish, Russell Fish, 
C. H. Chappnil, C. H. Burgess, C. E. Hoxie, F. M. Tinkham. 

Class Leaders — P. T. Brown, H. L. Chipman. 

Church Officers — Sunday School Superintendent, John S. Smith, 
Epworth League President, Herbert L. Chipman. 


M. E. CHURCH, SOMERSET, MASS. 

The Somerset M. E. Church was born in a sail loft at the head of 
Burgess’ Wharf. There Byron Norse held a protracted meeting in 
which many were converted. The new converts were organized into 
a church, and in November, 1842, A. D., a new edifice was dedicated 
as their church home. The first years were years of struggle with 

poverty and persecution. Yet 
Methodism held its ground, and 
in 1848, at the close of the suc- 
cessful pastorate of Father Na- 
than Paine, could claim forty 
members and five probationers. 

In 1857, the fifteenth year of 
the society’s history, the church 
was in a prosperous condition. 
The Sabbath School numbered 
100, and large additions were 
made to the library. During the 
last six months of the Conference 
year 1858-59, the pulpit was sup- 
plied by C. H. Payne, now widely 
known as Secretary of the 
Board of Education. He con- 
ducted a glorious revival, in 
which many were added to the 
church. 

In i860 A. D., when the spirit of secession was rife in the South, 
twenty-one members and other families related withdrew from our 
congregation and formed the Congregational Church of this place. 
That year C. M. Alvord began his pastorate with only twenty-eight 
members. However, the congregation soon increased to sixty, and 
at the end of his two years’ ministry they numbered seventy-five. 



THE SOMERSET CHURCH. 



t8o 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


In 1871, the church, under the care of James H. Nutting, enjoyed 
a gracious revival, and became self-supporting. 

In 1873, Oliver H. Fernald, pastor, the membership was eightv- 

eight and there were seventeen pro- 
bationers. This year the “Somerset 
Religious and Humane Society/’ in 
whose name the church property was 
held, reorganized, so that there might 
be no dispute regarding its just title 
to both the land and the building. 
Then the work of remodeling the 
building began. It was lenthened 
twenty feet, making room for an or- 
gan gallery, covered with a new roof 
and a steeple added. The “Sewing 
Circle,” placed in the church a beau- 
tiful sweet-toned pipe organ. The 
cost of the improvements was $6,721. 

THE SOMERSET parsonage. The resurrected church was dedicated 

by Bishop Wiley January 28, 
1874. Two years later, by the aid of the Sewing Circle and the sale 
of the pews, the debt upon the church was cancelled. 

In 1880 George H. Bates was appointed pastor. During his suc- 
cessful pastorate the society enjoyed 
prosperity and the church was paint- 
ed and improved. There were 77 
members and two probationers at the 
close of his pastorate, April, 1882. 

James Tregaskis became pastor in 
1884 and served the church three 
years. Within this time the church 
building was greatly improved on the 
inside, and when it was re-opened the 
finances were so well in hand that no 
•collection was necessary. The mem- 
bership suffered greatly by removals, 
thirty-one persons leaving the town 
in these three years. Since that time 
the church has never regained its for- 
mer strength. Death and removals 
have made the society still weaker, so that at the present time there are 
only sixty members. 

The Ep worth League was organized during the pastorate of R. J. 



REV. F. C. ANDERSON. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


181 


Floody, but in a short time was suspended. It was re-organized in 
February, 1895, W. F. Taylor, pastor, and is now in a fairly prosperous 
condition. Recently it purchased a new piano for the vestry, and has 
now paid for it in full. Our League has proven a spiritual help to 
the church. 

PASTORS. 

1842. Byron Morse 1865. B. K. Bosworth 


1843. Levi Daggett 

1844. E. W. Stickney 

1845. Israel Washburn 

1846. John W. Chase 
1847-48. Nathan Paine 

1849. Charles Hammond 

1850. Father Fillmore 

1851. O. Huse 
1852-53. E. H. Hatfield 

1854. W. H. Richards 

1855. John Livesey 
1856-57. Franklin Gavitt 

1858. James Macreading and 

C. H. Payne (six 
months) 

1859. E. A. Lyon 
1860-61. C. M. Alvord 
1862-63. William T. Worth 
1864. C. S. Sanford 


1866. 

George L. Westgate 

1867. 

Samuel J. Carroll 

1868. 

Micah J. Talbot 

1869. 

H. H. Smith 

1870-71. 

James H. Nutting 

1872-74. 

O. H. Fernald 

1875- 

Samuel M. Beale 

1876-77. 

E. M. Dunham 

1878-79. 

Charles E. Walker 

1880-81. 

George H. Bates 

1882-83. 

J. D. King 

1884-86. 

James Tregaskis 

1887-88. 

J. N. Patterson 

1889. 

Frederick Corson 

1890. 

Albert Cameron 

1891. 

L. H. Massey 

1892. 

R. J. Floody 

1893-96. 

W. F. Taylor 

1897 — 

F. C. Anderson 



s. F. STAPLES. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 



MISS EVA WESTGATE. 
Epworth League President. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


182 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Calvin E. Denham, Samuel T. Staples, Benjamin E. 
Cundall, David Marble, Philip E. Bowers, Bradford E. Marble. 

Stewards — Calvin E. Denham (R. S.), Samuel T. Staples, Ben- 
jamin E. Cundall, David Perry, Harry Simmons, Mrs. Mary E. Eddy,. 
Mrs. Celinda Marble, Mrs. A. B. Smith, Miss Jennie E. Bowers. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, S. F. Staples; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Miss Jennie Bowers; Secretary and Treasurer, Arthur Marble; 
Pianist, Miss Gertrude Marble; Librarian, Forrest Simmons. 

Teachers — Miss Jennie Bowers, F. C. Anderson, Miss Eva West- 
gate, Miss Jennie Eddy, Miss Emma Eddy, Mrs. A. B. Smith, Miss 
Gertrude Marble, Miss Sophia Marble, S. T. Staples. 

Epworth League — President, Miss Eva Westgate; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Mrs. A. Ross; Second Vice-President, Miss Jennie E. Bowers; 
Third Vice-President, Miss Emma Eddy; Fourth Vice-President, Miss 
Jennie Eddy; Secretary, Allen B. Smith; Treasurer, Harry W. Sim- 
mons. 


M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH CARVER, MASS. 

Previous to 1831 meetings were held in the schoolhouse and 
private houses in the neighborhood. The first Methodist church in 
Carver was organized May 18, 1831, by Rev. L. D. Johnson under the 
title Reformed Methodist. The church was reorganized April 30, 
1859, by Rev. S. Y. Wallace under the title Protestant-Methodist. 



REV. E. A. HUNT. 


The society continued as Prot- 
estant-Methodist until August 9, 
1867, when it was reorganized 
again by Rev. Thomas Ely, Pre- 
siding Elder, as a Methodist-Epis- 
copal church, and Rev. E. M. Dun- 
ham was appointed preacher in 
charge. 

In the commencement of Meth- 
odism in Carver Charles Ryder, 
Ichabod Shurtlefl: and Thomas 
Maxim, trustees of the Reformed 
Methodist, led the movement in 
building the chapel at Huckleberry 
Corner, where the Methodists have 
worshipped for over fifty years. 
Charles Ryder was a class leader 
from the commencement of Meth- 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


183 

odism in Carver until the time of his death, which occurred August 2, 
1886. He was a devoted Christian, an earnest worker, and did much 
in promoting the interests of the church. 

All the pastors have la- 
bored faithfully. Those 
worthy of special mention 
are E. Williams, W. I. 

Ward, J. S. Fish and J. E. 

Duxbury. Revs. W. E. 

Manley and T. P. Fisher 
have entered the foreign 
mission fields. Here Rev. 

W. I. Ward found his wife 
who has made his life 
happy and useful. 



SOUTH CARVER CHURCH. 

NEW CHURCH MOVEMENT. 

It had been the custom of the Methodists in this place to hold 
religious meetings in the hall at Furnace Village, about one and three- 
fourth miles from the chapel. This work seemed to grow in im- 
portance. In 1893 it was thought best to make the work in that locality 

permanent, so an old store was leased 
and fitted up and dedicated to the ser- 
vice of the Lord on January 1, 1894. 
It was very soon found that this 
building was too small for the in- 
creasing congregations and for the 
Sunday School work. This state of 
affairs existed until a suitable lot was 
given by Hon. Peleg McFarlin, and 
the trustees erected the present build- 
ing, which was dedicated Dec. 31, 
1896, by Presiding Elder T. J. Ever- 
ett. This building is of modern archi- 
tecture, is very commodious and con- 
venient, and altogether a suitable 
building for the worship of the Lord; 
situated in the centre of the vil- 
lage of two hundred and eleven people, a large number of whom are 
young people and children. 


JT ym 



CHAPEL AT FURNACE VILLAGE. 




184 

SOUVENIR HISTORY. 

PASTORS. 

1867-69. 

Elisha M. Dunham 

1880. 

J. B. Hamblen, Jr. 

1870. 

B. L. Sayer 

1881. 

C. Smith. 

1871-72. 

R. H. Dorr 

1882-85. 

E. A. Hunt 

1873-74. 

Paul Townsend 

1886-88. 

J. S. Fish 

1875- 

E. Williams 

1889-90. 

J. E. Duxbury 

1876-77. 

A. B. Bessey 

1891. 

W. E. Manley 

1878. 

W. I. Ward 

1892. 

T. P. Fisher 

1879. 

H. W. Hamblin 

1893. 

- E. A. Hunt 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — W. S. McFarlin, S. F. Atwood, H. C. Washburn, Jason 
B. McFarlin, J. Bradford McFarlin, C. H. Atwood, H. H. Gammons. 

Stewards — S. F. Atwood, W. S. McFarlin, J. S. Hudson, H. C. 
Washburn, W. F. Stanley, G. W. Atwood, E. Dunham, J. T. Mc- 
Farlin, C. H. Atwood, Mary Stanley, Julia Hudson, Harriet McFarlin, 
Sarah Andrews. 

Class Leaders — S. F. Atwood, W. F. Stanley. 

Superintendents Sunday School — J. S. Hudson, W. F. Stanley. 


M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH HARWICH, MASS. 

What is now the South Harwich Methodist-Episcopal Church 
was for a number of years the Reformed Methodist Church, ministers 
of that denomination officiating for about ten years. In 1845 the 

church changed its name to 
that of Wesleyan Methodist, 
calling for their first pastor, 
Rev. James Wright, who was 
followed by Rev. John A. 
Gibson. Rev. Davis Lathrop, 
a Baptist minister, was for a 
few years employed to supply 
the pulpit. It appears that he 
was not very evangelical in his 
preaching and the mem- 
bers were not satisfied with 
the doctrines he preached; 
but there was connected 
with the church what was known as “The Society.” This consisted of 
the pew-holders. Many of these were in favor of continuing Mr. 
Lathrop as preacher. In view of the division it was deemed best to 
sell the house at public auction, which was done March 4, 1853. It 



SOUTH HARWICH CHURCH. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


185 


was bid in by a member of the church, who with others held the house 
for the use of the Wesleyans. The services of Mr. Lathrop were dis- 
continued, and Rev. Samuel Palmer called as pastor. He served the 
•church one year. 

It was then decided to request a supply from the Methodist- 

Episcopal Conference, and 
Rev. Thomas Spilsted was ac- 
cordingly appointed. Under 
him the present church organ- 
ization was effected. August 
31, 1854, the members were 
transferred from the Wesleyan 
Methodist to the Methodist- 
Epis.copal Church. The next 
year the property was deeded, 
according to the provision of 
the discipline to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Conference. 
This was during the pastorate 
■of Rev. Ezekiel Adams, who seems to have been earnest and success- 
ful in the undertaking. 

The present pastorate has been blessed with a number of addi- 
tions to the membership and many temporal improvements. The in- 
terior of the church has been completely changed in its appearance 
at a considerable outlay of money. A new barn has been built the 
present year. 

A historical sketch of the church would be very incomplete with- 
out mention being made of the late Obed Nickerson, who was a mem- 



SOUTH HARWICH PARSONAGE. 



REV. CHARLES SMITH. 


WILLIAM F. SEARS. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


i86 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


ber of the church for forty-one years, and in every way one of its most 
devoted and faithful stewards. Through his efforts Methodism is 
largely what it now is in this village. 

PASTORS. 



Thomas Spilsted 

1875- 

V. W. Mattoon 


Ezekiel Adams 

1876-77. 

G. H. Lamson 

1858-59. 

George Burnham 

1878-79. 

J. T. Phelps 

i860. 

B. K. Bosworth 

1880-81. 

Merrick Ransom 

1861-62. 

Lemuel Harlow 

1882-83. 

J. Q. Adams 

1863-64. 

H. D. Robinson 

1884-86. 

J. S. Thomas 

1865-66. 

F. A. Loomis 

1887. 

F. D. Sargent 

1867. 

James Mather 

1888-89. 

E. S. Fletcher 

1868-69. 

Charles Hammond 

1890-92. 

R. M. Wilkins 

1870-71. 

Joseph Marsh 

1893. 

William Kirkby 

1872-73. 

S. P. Snow 

1894. 

N. B. Cook 

1874. 

Eben Tirrell 

1895— 

Charles Smith 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Official Board — W. M. Eldridge, A. S. Ellis, Thomas Small, W. F. 
Sears, Albert Crowell, J. W. Cahoon, E. E. Bassett, Hannah Eldridge, 
G. C. Doane. 

Superintendent Sunday School — William F. Sears. 

Epworth League — President, Rev. Charles Smith; First Vice- 
President, Wilber T. Crowell; Second Vice-President, W. F. Sears; 
Secretary, Miss Almena Eldridge; Treasurer, Mrs. Minnie R. Sears. 

Junior League — Superintendent, Miss Tamson D. Eldridge; Presi- 
dent, Miss Mary E. Smith. 


M. E. CHURCH, EAST HARWICH, MASS. 

This is one of the oldest Methodist Episcopal churches on Cape 
Cod. Jesse Lee, of historic fame, preached the first Methodist sermon 
in Harwich, some time before any regular services were held. A local 



EAST HARWICH CHURCH. 


preacher from down the Cape, 
by the name of Kenne, 
preached some here previous 
to 1797, when John Broad- 
head came and formed a class. 
The Lord blessed his labors to 
the good of the people and 
many, it is said, were con- 
verted to God. The first 
meeting-house was built in 
1799. The prosperity of the 
society was such that in twelve 
years from the above date it 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


187 

was found that their place of worship was too small, and the 
large and spacious one now in use was built. It was dedicated Janu- 
ary 1, 1812, the sermon on this occasion being preached by Benjamin 
F. Lombard. I11 1848 the building was remodeled and repaired. 
After these improvements were completed, the church was rededi- 
cated, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Robert M. Hatfield, then 
stationed at Sandwich. In 1849 the church was blessed with an exten- 
sive revival, under the faithful labors of the Rev. Pardon T. Kenney. 

The first Sabbath school is said to have been organized in he 
year 1845. For about twenty-five years the Sabbath school began in 
May and closed in the fall. 

In its early history, the society was served by some of the most 
earnest workers in the Conference, whose labors resulted in adding to 
the membership of the church many who for years were faithful 
to the cause of Christ and His church. Nearly all the old members 
have entered the heavenly home; but others have come up to at least, 
in part, keep the work moving here. Owing to removals and losses in 
other ways, the congregation, membership and Sunday school are 
not large; yet regular services are maintained. For some years past 
it has been connected with South Harwich; this has proved a helpful 
union. 

In April, 1896, some special services were held, and a number 
sought and found the Lord, most of whom have united with the 
church, increasing the number of members, and making the prospect 
for the future brighter. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Cyrenus Eldridge, Timothy K. Sterns, Frederick W. 
Nickerson, Heman F. Chase, Lorenzo D. Buck, Sparrow M. Young. 

Stewards — Cyrenus Eldridge, Timothy K. Sterns, Frederick W. 
Nickerson, Heman F. Chase, Lorenzo D. Buck, Sparrow M. Young, 
Mrs. Etta M. Chase, Sears L. Moore. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Timothy K. Sterns. 


PASTORS SERVING AS EVANGELISTS. 


REV. EDWIN F. JONES began his ministry in 1862 in the New 
York East Conference at Georgetown, Conn. In 1871 he was trans- 
ferred to this Conference, and was stationed at North Dighton. Here 
he organized the famous “praying band” that became a strong evart- 
gelistic force. At Thames St. Church, Newport, he built the present 
chapel there. At Grace Church, Taunton, there were extensive im- 
provements during his pastorate. But his chief power has been along 
spiritual lines. Blessed revivals have taken place in nearly all his 
pastorates. He is a very faithful pastor. As a preacher he is earnest 
and spiritual. As an evangelist he seldom fails. He is resourceful. 
His rule as a pastor has been never to stay longer than two years at 
a place. Rev. S. O. Benton, D. A. Jordan, M. J. Talbot, Ensign 
McChesney, D. A. Whedon and others commend him as an evangelist 
to our churches. 



REV. EDWIN F. JONES. REV. JAMES TREGASKIS. 


REV. JAMES TREGASKIS began preaching in 1870 at Bur- 
lington, N. Y. (N. Y. E. Conf.). His first work in this Conference 
was at Jewett City in 1874, where a mighty revival took place, and as 
a result he organized and built the church there. Material improve- 
ments at Putnam, Somerset and Thompsonville were the results of 
his energetic labors. At the last named charge $300 were spent in 
improvements and $500 in debts cancelled. Also the general finan- 
cial and spiritual condition of the church was excellent. Special 
work in revivals at Uncasville and Manchester was very successful. 
In fact, blessed revivals and spiritual awakening of churches have 
taken place at almost every charge. His sweet spirit, together with 
the help of his consecrated wife, have made his ministry a very help- 
ful, harmonious and successful one. While pastor at Summerfield 
Church, Fall River, there were additions to the church at almost 
every communion. When there he published a paper of local interest 
to Fall River Methodists, entitled “The Methodist.” 



M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH MIDDLEBORO, MASS. 

The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in South Middle- 
boro begins during the year 1868. The first class was formed April 10, 
with S. D. Wilber as leader, a position he faithfully filled for many 
years. 

Rev. J. G. Gammons was the organizer. Previous to the organ- 
ization into a Methodist- 
Episcopal church, the 
church here was a Re- 
formed Methodist. Near- 
ly all the members of 
this body became mem- 
bers of the M. E. church. 
The church building and 
parsonage and land be- 
longing to the Reformed 
Methodist Church and 
Society have always been 
occupied and used for 
the benefit of the M. E. 
Church, although the 
property is not deeded in 

regular form to our church. 

Back of the Reformed Methodist Church was a Baptist Church, 
of which we know almost nothing. 

Miss Mary Ann Thomas says of the old Reformed Methodist 
Church: “I was born April 11, 1820. I saw my father and my eldest 
sister baptized by Rev. Pliny Brett, when I was not more than seven 
years old. Elder Brett was a 
Reformed Methodist minister, 
who lived in Pocasset, Mass., 
and came to South Middle- 
boro, where he “did much 
work.” 

“Elder Brett had done his 
work and gone before 1830.” 

Rev. Uriah Miner came in 
1830, and remained until 
the latter part of 1835. 

His successor is not known. 

“The Reverend Elijah Bailey 
was about here in those south middleboro parsonage. 




SOUTH MIDDLEBORO CHURCH. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


190 

days of Reformed Methodism.” Mention is also made of three 
Johnson brothers. Lorenzo D. Johnson’s work resulted in a revival. 
He married a Miss Mary Burgess of the neighboring town of Roches- 



EEV. C. N. HINCKLEY. MRS. EMMA GAMMONS. 

Recording Steward. 

ter, Mass. Afterwards he joined the N. E. S. Conference, and died at 
Pocasset, where he was stationed. 

Rev. Theophilus Brown came to South Middleboro in 1841 and 


A. C. WILBER. 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


JAMES B. TRIPP. 
Epworth League President. 




re-organized the Reformed Methodist Church in 1842. Mrs. Thomas 
and her father and sister joined it in June of that year, and she alone 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


191 


remains to-day of all who were members at that time, having been a 
member of that church and its successor for fifty-five years. 

Since the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
special mention is made of the pastorate of Rev. Philip Crandon. In 
1874 the church was re-modeled, and a vestry added. Deep spiritual 
interest was also aroused. Rev. Thomas Harrison came to the assist- 
ance of the pastor. “An unusual revival swept throughout the com- 
munity/’ and some of the fruit still remains. But during the revival 
Mr. Crandon was taken sick and died, a martyr to> his -zeal for the 
salvation of the people. Honorable mention is also made of Rev. 
Isaac Sherman and Rev. E. A. Hunt. Rev. Mr. Hunt served the 
church five years. He organized the Hunt Chapter of the Epworth 
League, and superintended extensive repairs on the inside of the 
church. Also graded the lawn and formed an association known as 
the “Cemetery Association/’ greatly to the improvement of the 
cemetery. 

PASTORS. 


1868. 

1869. 
1870-72. 

1873- 

1874- 75- 
1876-77. 
1878-80. 
1881. 


J. G. Gammons 
Isaac B. Forbes 
Benjamin L. Sayer 
John W. Price 
Philip Crandon 
Charles Stokes 
Isaac Sherman 
O. R. Higgins 


1882-84. S. P. Snow 
1885. J. Livesey 
1886-90. E. A. Hunt 
1891-92. J. A. Wood 
i 893~95- J- S. Thomas 
1896. C. A. Purdy 
1897 — C. N. Hinckley 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

On the Board of Stewards are the names of Abiel Fuller and 
Nathaniel Shurtleff, one 93, and the other 85. Other names are 
S. D. Wilber, H. K. Ryder, E. H. Gammons, A. C. Wilber, A. E. 
Thomas, J. B. Tripp, Lucy Le Baron and Emma J. Gammons 
(R. S.). Mrs. Gammons has been R. S. for ten years, Assistant 
Superintendent of Sunday school eight years, President of Ladies’ 
Aid Society and W. C. T. U. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, A. C. Wilber; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, A. E. Thomas; Treasurer, J. B. Tripp; Secretary, A. E. 
Thomas; Librarian, Charles Gammons; Organist, Annie Gammons. 

Epzvorth League — President, James B. Tripp; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Henry W. Ryder; Second Vice-President, Carrie Shaw; Third 
Vice-President, Florence Thomas; Fourth Vice-President, Jennie M. 
Gammons; Secretary, Viretta F. Shaw; Treasurer, E. H. Gammons. 


FIRST M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH SOMERSET, MASS. 

Upon an eminence which overlooks Fall River, a city of one hun- 
dred thousand inhabitants, and the largest cotton manufacturing cen- 
tre on this continent, the beautiful Mount Hope Bay, and the pictur- 
esque Taunton Great River, the parsonage and present house of wor- 
ship of the First Methodist Episcopal Society of Somerset stand. 

This society has an illustrious history. The present century had 

hardly dawned when 
that pioneer of Metho- 
dism, Rev. Joseph Snell- 
ing, at that time sta- 
tioned on the Warren 
circuit, formed a class of 
seven members at the 
home of Nathaniel Lew- 
in in Swansea. A little 
later, upon invitation of 
Mr. John Wilbur, one 
of its members, Mr. 
Snelling conducted re- 
ligious services at 
his house in South 
Somerset. This was 
the beginning of the preaching of the gospel according to Meth- 
odism in this place. And until a church was built, meetings were 
regularly held at Mr. Wilbur’s house, which was always freely opened 
to all Methodists. 

The soil proved so fruitful that in March, 1802, a society was per- 
manently organized. Captain James Sherman, afterwards licensed a 
local preacher, Nathan Lewin, 

Diana Lewin, Sarah Lewin, 

Gardner and Israel Anthony 
were its original members. 

The first person added to this 
newly organized church was 
Mr. John Bray ton, a man 
whose qualities of mind and 
heart were such as to well 
merit another’s characteriza- 
tion as “one of the most use- 
ful and influential members of 
the little flock.” 




SOUTH SOMERSET CHURCH. 


SOUTH SOMERSET PARSONAGE. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


X 9S 

During the pastorate of Rev. Alexander M. Lane on Bristol Cir- 
cuit in 1804, and through the liberality of Captain William Read, who 
gave the land, Mr. Brayton, Dr. Winslow of Swansea and other friends* 
a church was built on the site occupied by the present edifice. This 
was the second Methodist church built in Bristol county. 

In 1805 Somerset for the first time is reported in the minutes. 
The total membership, including Bristol and Warren, with which it 
was connected, is given as 125. At various times in its early history 
this society was also associated with Newport, Providence, Greenwich,, 
and a little later Mansfield and Dighton. 

One of the original members of this church, Israel Anthonv> 



REV. E. W. ELDRIDGE. MRS. E. W. ELDRIDGE. 


moved with his family to North Dighton in 1814. Through his in- 
fluence a Methodist church was soon after formed at that place. In 
1825 Rev. Heman Perry, stationed at Somerset, instituted regular 
preaching services and organized a class in Fall River. While Rev. 
George Carpenter was pastor in 1841 sixty-nine were converted in a 
revival at Somerset Village, forty of whom were formed into a class 
which subsequently became the Second Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Thus from the loins of this society the Methodist Episcopal churches 
on both sides of Taunton river from its mouth to its source sprang. 

Among the many notable pioneer ministers of Methodism who 
have preached in the old church are Lorenzo Dow, Freeborn Garrett- 
son and Bishop Francis Asbury. 

Rev. Edward B. Hinckley was appointed to this church in 1849. 
That year a new, more modern and convenient house of worship was 
built in place of the old one. Rev. Daniel Wise of Fall River preached 
the dedicatory sermon. 



194 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Land adjoining the lot on which the church was situated was 
bought for a merely nominal sum in i860. A pleasant and commo- 
dious parsonage was built thereon, Rev. Joseph Baker, the pastor, 
aiding materially in the work. 

The church was altered and improved at an outlay of over one 
thousand dollars in 1870; Rev. Edwin L. Hyde, pastor. Rededication 
services were held Nov. 2. The next day lightning struck the church, 
necessitating an outlay of over five hundred dollars to repair damages. 
In March, 1889, this church was entirely destroyed by fire. Under 
the leadership of Rev. John A. Rood this undaunted and heroic people 
determined to rebuild, and on December 5 of the same year the present 



CHARLES W. ANTHONY, 
Secretary Board of Trustees. 



A. W. WEAVER, 
Epworth League President. 


beautiful and convenient house of worship was dedicated. The dedi- 
cation of this church free of debt was made possible to this society, 
after their own self-sacrificing efforts, through the generous gifts of 
children of Mrs. Israel Bray ton, who was in her life a member of this 
church, a kind-hearted, thoughtful, hospitable and most generous 
woman. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Louis M. Flocken an Epworth 
League was organized. Mr. A. W. Weaver, its president, is a young 
man, one of the most successful farmers in town, full of energy, ever 
alert to the interests of the church, and a loyal helper in all its under- 
takings. 

In the earlier records of this church one finds the name of Job 
Gardner, a loyal Methodist and staunch supporter of the church. His 
son, the Hon. Job Gardner, has served as Superintendent of the Sun- 
day School for upwards of forty years, and though over 70 years of 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


195 

age is so fertile in plans and up-to-date in methods as to give evidence 
that he is far from crossing the dead line. 

Great credit is due Mr. William G. Pearse, senior member of the 
well-known firm of W. G. Pearse & Co., Agricultural Implements, 




WILLIAM G. PEARSE. 
Recording Secretary Board of Trustes. 


HON. DANIEL WILBUR, 
President Board of Trustees. 


Seeds, Hardware, etc., of Fall River. Mr. Pearse joined this church 
in 1886, during the pastorate of Rev. W. I. Ward. Into his religious 
life he puts the same intelligence and force as that with which his busi- 



HON. DANIEL WILBUR (deceased), 
Former President Board of Trustees. 



ness was builded. As Recording Steward and Treasurer of the Board 
of Trustees he aids by his wise counsels and generous gifts in -the 
management of the finances as well as the other interests of the church. 


196 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


In June, 1896, this society met with a greatloss in the death of the 
Hon. Daniel Wilbur, for thirty years president of the Board of Trus- 
tees. His decease was followed by that of his wife six weeks later. 
Both were generous helpers in the church. Mr. Wilbur’s son, Daniel 
Wilbur, Jr., a man of high esteem throughout the community, ‘suc- 
ceeded his father in the Presidency of the Board. 

In February, 1897, Mr. George Read, for upwards of thirty years 

a staunch supporter and generous 
giver to the church of which he was 
a member, passed on to his reward 
above. He was for many years Sec- 
retary of the Board of Trustees. His 
father was Captain William Read, 
one of the early promoters of this 
society. 

Mr. Charles W. Anthony, whose 
ancestors were connected with this 
church, himself a lifelong Metho- 
dist, generous, consecrated and true, 
is the present Secretary of the Board. 

Besides the Sunday School and Ep- 
worth League, there is a Ladies’ Aid 
Society, which has rendered material 
help in times past. Miss Rhoda Dur- 

fee is the President. 

In April, 1897, through the generosity of the Hon. John Sum- 
merfield Bray ton, LL. D., of Fall River, grandson of Mr. John Bray- 
ton, one of the founders of this church, a carefully selected library of 
over one hundred and fifty volumes of recent and valuable Biblical 
mid Theological works was placed in the parsonage for the use of the 
pastors. These works were written by eminent authorities, and must 
Be of great value for years to come. 

Many other names worthy of special mention are found connected 
with the* history of this church. But in the efforts to condense nearly 
•one hundred years of remarkable church history into space allowed by 
publishers many things and persons must necessarily be omitted. 

The religious life of this church is characterized not by noisy 
•demonstrations, but by cheerful loyalty to the highest convictions of 
truth and duty, thoughtful and conscientious study of the right and 
steadfast following it. Throughout its long history its present mem- 
bers are confident that God has lead this people, and with the heroic 
and self-sacrificing spirit which animated their fathers they still plan 
for and expect great things of God. Within a year past over $200 has 



HON. JOB GARDNER. 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


197 


been expended in parsonage furnishings and improvements. During 
the present pastorate accessions have been reported by probation or 
letter at nearly every Quarterly Conference. The church property is 
entirely free from debt. Encouraged by the past, strong in the pres- 
«ent consciousness of the Divine Presence, this “church on the hill” 
looks hopefully toward the future determining to be a beacon light, 
strong and clear, to souls journeying in the path of God. 


PASTORS. 


1800. 

Joseph Snelling 


1834-35- 

None 

-1 801. 

John Finnegan and 

1836-37- 

Isaac Bonney and Le- 


Daniel Fiddler 



Roy Sunderland 

1802. 

Reuben Hubbard, Caleb 

1838. 

S. W. Wilson and 


Morris, Alexander 

Wareham Campbell 


Cobb 


1839- 

J. T. Sturtevant 

1803-4. 

Alexander McLane 


1840. 

William B. Simmons 

1805-6. 

Joseph Snelling 


1841. 

George Carpenter 

1807. 

Joshua Crowell 


1842. 

Levi Daggett, Jr 

1808-9. 

Levi Walker 


1843. 

Ezekiel W. Stickney 

j8io. 

John Lindsey 


1844. 

Micah J. Talbot 

1811. 

Thomas Asbury 


1845- 

Benjamin L. Sayer 

1812-13. 

Artemas Stebbins 


1846. 

John W. Case 

1814. 

Edward Hyde 

and 

1847. 

John E. Gifford 


William Marsh 


1848. 

— 

1815. 

Benjamin R. Hoyt and 

1849. 

Edward B. Hinckley 


J. Walker 


1850. 

James M. Worcester 

1816. 

Richard Emery 


1851-52- 

Lawton Cady 

1817. 

Nathan Paine 


1853-54. 

Ormando N. Brooks 

1818. 

Isaac Jennison and 

E. 

1855- 

J. N. Collier 


Streeter 


1856. 

John Livesey 

1819. 

Isaac Bonney 


1857-58. 

Varnum A. Cooper 

1820-21. 

Thomas W. Tucker 


1859- 

C. Collard Adams 

1822-23. 

Benjamin Hazleton 


1860-61. 

Joseph Baker 

1824. 

Ebenezer Blake 


1862-64. 

Henry H. Smith 

1825. 

Heman Perry 


1865-67. 

William Penn Hyde 

1826. 

Charles Virgin and 

N. 

1868-70. 

Edward L. Hyde 


B. Spaulding 


1871-72. 

C. S. Morse 

3827-28. 

David Culver 


1873-75- 

George H. Lamson 

1829. 

N. S. Spaulding 

and 

1876-77. 

George W. Wright 

Robert Gould 


1878. 

S. Hamilton Day 

1830. 

Nathan Paine and 

H. 

1879-81. 

E. Tirrell 

Walker 


1882-84. 

John Livesey 

1831. 

F. Dane and H. Wal- 

1885. 

William I. Ward 

den 


1886-89. 

John A. Rood 

1832. 

Warren Emerson 

and 

1890-91. 

Orville A. Farley 

J. B. Baldwin 


1892-95. 

Louis M. Flocken 

1833. 

James Bicknell 


1896 — 

Ernest W. Eldridge 


I 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Daniel Wilbur, President; W. G. Pearse, Treasurer; 
C. W. Anthony, Secretary ; Job Gardner, A. W. Weaver, Thomas H. 
Stevens, John L. Slade, Elisha M. Keen, George Marvel. 

Stewards — W. G. Pearse, R. S. ; Job Gardner, D. S.; A. W. 
Weaver, C. W. Anthony, F. J. Arnold, John McKean, Jane G. Read, 
Marietta S. Gardner, Lizzie M. Pearse, Ella Bosworth, Lura R. P. 
Weaver, Carrie A. Bush, Rhoda M. Durfee. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Job Gardner; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, A. W. Weaver; Secretary, Emma Read; Treasurer, Fred 
Clarner; Librarian, A. W. Weaver; Assistant, Mrs. A. W. Weaver; 
Organist, Alice Bosworth. 

Epworth League — President, A. W. Weaver; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. 
A. W. Weaver, Amelia G. Read, Mrs. E. W. Eldridge, Mary Astle; 
Secretary, Mary E. Anthony; Treasurer, Emma Read. 


M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH TRURO, MASS. 

There is no record of the founding of the church in South Truro 
to be found at the present time. The date assigned is a matter of 
inference. From reliable sources it is safe to say that the church was 



SOUTH TRURO CHURCH. 


built and the first society organized not later than 1794. It is prob- 
able that the intention was to build the first meeting-house in Prov- 
incetown, but the movement met such violent hostility, that those 
interested decided to build in Truro for the mutual accommodation of 
Provincetown, Truro and Wellfleet. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


199 

The statement that the church in South Truro was the second 
Methodist church built in New England is well established. 

Jesse Rich, the great grandfather of Thomas Rich and Miss Han- 
nah Cobb, now members of the church, gave a site of half an acre of 
land for this meeting-house, which was made of rough lumber and un- 
plastered. 

The pews were benches made of planks. It is said, for years, the 
swallows flew in and out at pleasure, and building their nests upon the 
rough beams, fed their young during Divine service. 

For some reason unknown to the residents of the parish now, the 
members of this first society decided to build farther north, and the 
church at the Centre was built in 1827. But it never was their vine 
and fig-tree; and feeling that they did not have their rights, the people 



SOUTH TRURO CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 


at the South became dissatisfied. In one of the meetings, the relation 
became so strained that the meeting broke up in great disorder. 

Before another quarterly meeting Elisha Newcombe, Freeman 
Cobb, Nehemiah Rich, Sears Rich and others met in the house of 
Elisha Newcombe and organized “The Second Methodist Society in 
Truro/’ August 29th, 1829. 

Instead of returning to the first meeting-house erected, they built 
a new building, 33x44 feet, with galleries on three sides, and dedicated 
it December 15, 1831, Rev. Benjamin F. Lombard, P. E., preaching 
the sermon. 

Rev. Benjamin Keith was very active, and aided by his influence 
the completion of the work. When ill health compelled him to locate, 
he made Truro his home, and a marble slab marks his resting place 
in the cemetery, perhaps on the very site of the original meeting- 
house. 



200 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


“In 1851, when the town was at the height of prosperity, the 
society had outgrown their house of 1831, and the present graceful 
and attractive building, most eligibly situated westward of the old site, 
was built.” 

It stands on one of the sand hills which Hector, the last slave sdld 

in Truro, knew so well through his 
long, lonely and unloved life, which 
began a century and a quarter before 
the foundations of the church were 
laid. He is said, as he walked or 
drove to the fields, to have prayed 
audibly and realized in the simplicity 
of his faith that there is a “daysman.” 

Methodism came to Truro, bearing 
record of the Word of God and of the 
testimony of Jesus Christ, to proclaim 
that there is a “daysman betwixt us,” 
and liberty to hundreds of captives. 

The society now is only a rapidly 
retreating “shadow of its former self.” 
hannah s. cobb, It is pathetic beyond description 

Sunday School Superintendent. coun t on the records Only twenty- 

eight members, thirteen of whom are non-residents, to stand in the old 
pulpit, and to look at the walls and ceilings which in former days 
have echoed the prayers and praises of God’s children, as they gath- 
ered in crowds, but which now are broken and fallen, unable to stand 
longer the winds that have strained their timbers for nearly half a 
century. 

The noble sons and daughters of a King within the bounds of the 
parish have long since gone to other fields to seek their fortunes, or 
one after another, have laid down their oars to step upon the banks 
of the great river in their Heavenly home. 



PASTORS. 


During the period of 1794-1810 Truro was a circuit appointment. 
There is no mention of Truro in the General Minutes until 1811. 

From the life of Rev. Joseph Snelling, written by himself, it is 
evident that he labored in Truro as an exhorter in 1795 and as 
preacher in 1796. 


1811. Joseph A. Merrill 

1812. Robert Arnold 
1813-26. During this period also 

there is no mention 
of Truro in the min- 
utes. 


1827-28. 


1829-30. 

1831-32. 

1833-34- 


The people worshipped 
in the new church at 
the Centre. 

A. Hoi way 
Benjamin Keith 
Joseph B. Brown 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


201 


1835-38. 

Thomas Dodge 

1858-59. 

Josiah C. Allen 

1839-40. 

Joel Steele 

1860. 

A. Latham 

1841. 

James Bicknell 

1861. 

Seth B. Chase 

1842-43. 

Henry H. Smith 

1862-63. 

George S. Alexander 

1844-45. 

Lozien Pierce 

1864-65. 

E. M. Anthony 

1846-47. 

William Leonard 

1866. 

L. W. Bowdish 

1848-49. 

Adin H. Newton 

1867-69. 

Benjamin L. Sayer 

1850. 

Ira M. Bidwell was ap- 

1870. 

S. F. Whidden 


pointed, but meeting 

1871. 

W. T. Miller 


with an accident on 

1872-73- 

George S. Macomber 


the cars, he was un- 

1874-75- 

George H. Butler 


able to take the work 

1876-78. 

V. W. Mattoon 


and Adin H. Newton 

1879. 

C. N. Hinckley 


supplied 

1880-82. 

J. S. Fish 

1851. 

Anthony Palmer 

1883-85. 

Charles T. Hatch 

1852-53. 

William Kellen 

1886-88. 

John Q. Adams 

1854-55. 

William Leonard 

1889. 

J. S. Bell 

1856-57. 

F. A. Loomis 

1890-94. 

John S. Fish 


Mr. Fish remained on this charge until November 4, 1894, “When 
on the morn of that Sabbath he left the lower sanctuary where he had 
so many years officiated, and entered upon the eternal Sabbath and 
"bowed lowly in the upper sanctuary before Him who sitteth on the 
.great white throne. 

1894-95. Jason F. Thurston sup- 1896. W. D. Wilkinson 
plied six months. 1897 — F. L. Brooks 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Thomas S. Rich, Joseph S. Cole, Jessie A. Cobb, Silas 
Ryder, Jessie A. Rich, Mary Stocker. 

Stezvards — Thomas S. Rich, Joseph S. Cole, Jessie Rich, Mercy 
Cobb, Hannah S. Cobb, Marietta G. Rich, Mary E. Stocker. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Secretary and Treasurer, Han- 
nah S. Cobb; Librarian, Mercy S. Cobb. 

Teachers — Thomas S. Rich, Marietta G. Rich. 


M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH YARMOUTH, MASS. 

The old church formerly stood southeast of the village near the 
Silas Baker homestead. Little is known of its history. Of a number of 
pastors Rev. Lewis B. Bates, D. D., and Rev. G. W. Stearns, D. T)., 
are most widely known. The church now standing in the centre of 
the village was erected in 1852. 

The pastorates most memorable for revivals are those of Rev. 



SOUTH YARMOUTH CHURCH. 


Henry Aston, Rev. C. Hammond and Rev. W. L. Phillips. During 
Mr. Hammond’s ministry the present parsonage was purchased. 
“Taylor Chapel,” the gift of Mr. Elisha Taylor, was built in 1884. 

PASTORS. 


1853. Henry Aston 

1855. James M. Worcester 

1856. Lemuel Harlow 

1857. Edward B. Hinckley 

1858. William E. Sheldon 

1859. Lawton Cady 

1860-61. B. L. Sayer 
1862-63. F. A. Loomis 
1864. Joseph Gurney 
1865-67. C. Hammond 
1868. L. Bowdish 
1869-70. W. F. Farrington 
1871. S. F. Whidden and 

W. F. Whitcher 
1874-76. W. L. Phillips 


1877. 

W. F. Steele 

1878. 

G. E. Fuller 

1879-80. 

A. McCord 

1881-83. 

E. Williams 

1883-84. 

G. W. Wright 

1885. 

S. H. Day and J. H. 
George 

1886. 

W. P. Arbuckle 

1887. 

W. E. Kugler 

1888-89. 

G. E. Dunbar 

1890-91. 

S. K. Arbuthnot 

1892. 

W. D. Wilkinson 

1893. 

E. E. Marshall 

1894-95- 

E. W. Eldridge 

1896 — 

G. W. Tupper 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees— G. H. Loring, Lothrop Baker, J. F. Sears, J. Crowell, 
F. A. Crowell, R. K. Farris, M. H. Crowell, Allen Farris, E. T. Baker! 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


203 


Stewards — J. Crowell, M. H. Crowell, Mrs. G. H. Coring, Mrs. 
E. T. Baker, Mrs. L. Fuller, Mrs. M. Smith, Mrs. A. Sears, Mrs. A. 
Kelley, Mrs. Seth Kelley, Mrs. Annie Hathway, Miss P. L. Kelley. 
Class Leader — Joseph Crowell. 

Organist — Mrs. A. C. White. 

Sexton — G. H. Loring. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Pastor; Assistant Superintendent, 
Mrs. Ezra D. Kelley; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Lottie Kelley; 
Librarian, Miss Melva Wood. 

Teachers — Captain G. H. Loring, Captain L. Baker, Mrs. I. P. F. 
Farris, Mrs. Joseph Crowell, Mrs. E. T. Baker, Mrs. Seth Kelley, Mrs. 
Ezra D. Kelley, Miss Fannie Ftaffords. 



G. H. LORING, 
President Board of Trustees. 



J. CROWELL, 
Twenty years Class Leader. 




ELISHA TAYLOR, 
Donator of Taylor Chapel. 


M. H. CROWELL, 
Recording Secretary. 





TAUNTON METHODIST SOCIAL UNION. 

By Rev. C. A. Stenhouse. 

Sociability is next in importance to spiritualty in the church. It 
sometimes happens, however, that while sociability exists in the indi- 
idual church, that church may fail to be sociable with neighboring* 
churches ; so that there may be narrowness even in the sphere of socia- 
bility. The “Union” solves this problem. Taunton has a flourishing 
union which has done much to create the connectional and fraternal 
feeling which happily exists between the Methodist churches in the 
city and its vicinity. At an official meeting in Central Church during 
the latter part of 1891 a committee of three, namely, Ezra Hamlen, 



J. F. MONTGOMERY. C. H. LINCuDN. W. M. DUNBAR. 


Andre S. Rounds and Willis H. Waitt, were appointed to see what 
could be done about forming a Methodist Social Union. March 28, 
1892, that committee made its report. 

It appears from the records of the Social Union that an informal 
meeting of representatives from all the church and all the Ep worth 
League chapters of the city was held at the residence of Mr. Ezra 
Efamlen, Somerset Avenue, on the evening of March 19, 1892. 

It was resolved, on motion of Rev. A. W. Kingsley, then pastor 
of Central Church, to recommend the forming of a social union. A 
committee was appointed to draft a constitution, etc., and report at 
another meeting in the same place, March 26, 1892. That committee 
was as follows: Ezra Hamlen of the Central Church, M. A. Dary of 
the First Church, J. E. Blake of Grace Church and Rev. J. S. Bell 
of Tremont Street Church. The constitution was adopted at a meet- 
ing held in the First Church, May 2, 1892. All the churches were 
represented at this meeting, and the organization was effected as 
follows: President, Marcus A. Dary (First Church); First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Amasa E. Blake (Grace); Second Vice-President, Eli H. Eld- 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


205 


ridge (Central) ; Secretary, Elizabeth J. Whiting (Grace) ; Correspond- 
ing Secretary, George W. Barrows (First); Treasurer, Walter M. Dun- 
bar (Central); Directors, Luther B. West, Mrs. Cora Brownell, Ezra 
Hamlen, Walter L. Park, Mrs. J. F. Montgomery. The first banquet 
and accompanying feast of intellectual things was given in the Central 
church June 20, 1892. The Rev. Charles Parkhurst, D. D., editor of 
Zion’s Herald, gave the address of the evening, on “Three Constituent 
Qualities of Methodism.” It was an able and comprehensive view of 
successful Methodism for which the Union expressed its thanks by a 
rising vote. 

Opening thus auspiciously, the Union has enjoyed every year its 
four meetings in February, May, September and November, occurring 
in rotation in the First, Grace and Central churches. Its membership 
has doubled and its* success in making members of the different 
churches know each other better has resulted in an increased spiritual 
interest between them. Union meetings for religious awakening have 
been suggested by the Union and successfully attempted by the 
churches. During the past summer two of the churches held union 
services four Sundays in August. Two services were held in each 
church. This idea emanated from laymen who are prominent in the 
“Union.” The president is elected annually; only one violation of 
this law has occurred and that was in the case of the second one 
elected. He did so well in his office that the law was suspended. 
Hence there have been four presidents, as follows: M. A. Dary, 
W. M. Dunbar, J. F. Montgomery and C. H. Lincoln. These were 
taken from First, Central and Grace churches; the fourth president 
begins the rotation again. This is the law. 

The secretaries have been Elizabeth J. Whiting and Walter L. 
Park, each one year, and the present incumbent, Augusta M. West. 

The invited speakers have been, besides members: Rev. C. Park- 
hurst, D. D., Rev. W. N. Brodbeck, D. D., Bishop R. S. Foster, 
D. D., Rev. L. B. Bates, D. D., Rev. F. D. Blakeslee, D.D., Rev. C. H. 
Payne, D. D., Prof. H. G. Mitchell, Rev. C. M. Melden, Rev. E. M. 
Taylor, Rev. C. L. Goodell, Rev. T. J. Everett and Rev. F. E. E. 
Hamilton, Rev. J. D. Pickles, Ph. D., Rev. C. W. Holden, Rev. 
C. M. Melden, Ph. D., Prof. W. T. Mowry. 

The members of the Union at the close of the June, 1892, meeting 
were: Revs. A. W. Kingsley, G. W. King, E. F. Clark, J. W. Willett, 
J. E. Blake, Messrs. M. A. Dary, W. H. Phillips, E. H. Eldridge, 
L. B. West, E. S. Young, W. M. Dunbar, E. Hamlen, S. Miller, J. L. 
Merigold, W. B. Ashley, W. F. Bodfish, A. Dix, A. E. Blake, E. F. 
Morton, H. Wood, C. F. Luther, G. W. Barrows, W. L. Park, G. T. 
Fisher, J. F. Brownell, J. S. Cummings, G. T. Davis, C. H. Lincoln, 


206 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


J. F. Montgomery, J. L. Presbrey, W. E. Walker, E. W. Wilson, 
W. D. Richardson, Mrs.: — W. H. Phillips, T. W. Coombs, E. H. 
Eldridge, L. B. West, C. L. Chick, W. H. Field, W. M. Dunbar, 
E. Hamlen, W. F. Bodfish, J. F. Brownell, G. W. Barrows, J. S. Cum- 
mings, M. A. Dary, G. T. Davis, R. G. Ellis, Rev. G. W. King, C. H. 
Lincoln, S. Miller, J. F. Montgomery, G. E. Pauli, W. L. Park, E. P. 
Staples, Rev. J. W. Willett, W. E. Walker, W. D. Richardson, Misses 
M. L. Bicknell, N. B. Drew, M. E. Pye, E. G. Parker, M. A. Sprague, 
E. J. Whiting. 

The executive committee consists of all the officers and five direc- 
tors. The directors for 1897 are as follows: Miss Ida G. Barrows 
(First), H. B. Buffinton and C. F. Luther (Grace), Miss Mary E. Pye 
and I. Alfred Messenger (Central)- Two members, the Rev. J. W. 
Willett and Miss Mary E. Pye, have deceased during August, 
1897. Appropriate resolutions have been published by the Union. 


M. E. CHURCH, NORTH HARWICH, MASS. 

The church building was built by William Ryder, James Baker, 
Henry Kelley, and Nathan Foster, in the year 1842, for a Reformed 
Methodist Church, and in about ten years it was changed to Wesleyan 
Methodist; then, in a few years, to Methodist-Episcopal Church. 

There are only two of the first members living — Mrs. Betsey Bas- 
sett and Mrs. Rhoda Baker. 

Reform Methodist Preachers — Rev. Moses H. Swift, Rev. Harry 
Herris, Rev. Presbury Clark and Rev. Nathan Clark. 

M. E. Pastors — Rev. Moses Brown, Rev. Mr. Dixon, Rev. Mr. 
Pierson, Rev. Francis A. Loomis, Mr. J. T. Smalley, Rev. Davis 
Lothrop, Rev. George E. Dunbar, Rev. N. W. Everett, Rev. J. G. 
Gammons and Rev. J. T. Docking. 


CENTRAL M. E. CHURCH, TAUNTON, MASS. 

The history of this church begins with the year 1852, when 
social meetings were held in Bank Hall, corner of Cedar and Main 
Streets, by a few members of the First Church, Weir Village, who 
lived near the centre of the city called “The Green,” and who found 
the Weir too 1 far away, and who also thought very wisely that a 

strategic point like the Centre 
should be seized for Methodism. 
Their judgment was soon vindi- 
cated. After several business meet- 
ings in the shop of William Hutch- 
inson, 6 Main Street, a lot was pur- 
chased on Cohannet Street and a 
building committee appointed, 
Subscriptions were solicited by 
William Hutchinson, chairman of 
the committee, to whom the final 
success of the enterprise was 
mainly attributed. In the spring 
of 1853 Rev. W. H. Stetson be- 
came the pastor of this church of 
1 3 members by Conference ap- 
pointment. Of the original 13 only 
one member remains on the roll of 
membership — Mrs. Mary B. King, 
wife of Mr. Job King, who recently 
retired from the Mason machine shops, after more than fifty years 
service. On the first Sunday Mr. Stetson organized a Sunday School 
of fifty members in Templair Hall, with G. O. White as superin- 
tendent. Early in this year the Whittenton Society disbanded and 
its members united with Central Church, increasing thereby the lat- 
ter’s membership to thirty. It was still in the spring of 1853 when 
the building of the new church was put under contract. The work 
was pushed rapidly, and early in the fall the vestry was occupied. 
The crowds that attended and the presence of the Holy Spirit both 
attested that God favored the undertaking. Rev. C. H. Titus was 
appointed the next year, 1854. The building was completed and dedi- 
cated in May, Rev. J. T. Peck, D. D., afterwards Bishop, preaching 
the sermon. Pews were sold to the amount of $2,200, leaving a 
debt of $4,000. The records show that the Sunday School now num- 
bered 1 58. The membership of the church continued to increase. 
In 1855 Rev. H. C. Atwater, the pastor, found sixty-three members 



~~~ I '- 1 Hi ~r.xA.LZ -;. ... - 

CENTRAL CHURCH, TAUNTON. 


208 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 




and nineteen probationers, and left at the end of the year seventy- 
four members and twenty-three probationers. Rev. S. F. Upham, now 
a professor in Drew Theological Seminary, increased the membership 
the following two years to no members and thirteen probationers- 


CENTRAL CHURCH PARSONAGE. 

At this time the Central had nearly reached the mother church both 
in point of numbers and in ability, as the Conference minutes show. 
There was a difference of only one in total membership and of only 
fifty dollars in salary paid. The debt gradually decreased, for the 


pew rentals were used by the trustees for its liquidation. But in 
1863, when Rev. Frederick Upham, father of Rev. S. F. Upham, be- 
came pastor here, he found a debt of $2,200, and by an extraordinary 
effort reduced it to $600. By the continuous revivals and steady 


REV. C. A. STENHOUSE. 


MRS. C. A. STENHOUSE. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


209 

growth of the church in membership under the leadership of such 
men as Revs. J. A. M. Chapman, J. W. Willett, H. D. Robinson, 
Alexander Anderson and A. P. Palmer, it finally became necessary to 




B. H. SCUDDER, L. L. MITCHELL, 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

enlarge the church edifice, which, was done in 1876 during the pas- 
torate of Rev. O. H. Fernald. The eastern end of the building was 
extended, vestibules and stairways changed and improved and an 
organ alcove made at the side of the pulpit, the whole being done at 




J. W. THAYER, EZRA HAMLEN, 

President Board of Trustees. Treasurer Board of Trustees. 

an outlay of about $2,300. Fifty persons were taken on probation. 
Rev. J. E. Hawkins, the next pastor, saw quite an extensive revival 
and left a net increase in the membership of fifty-two. 


210 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


In 1881 Rev. Edward Edson began his work. He saw over 
fifty conversions, an old debt of $700 paid, and a lot for a new par- 
sonage bought at a cost of $1,250 during his three years of service. 
The Rev. G. W. Hunt was appointed pastor in 1884. The church 
prospered. During his three years there were ninety additions to the 
church, but a necessary pruning of the rolls left a net gain of only 
sixteen. A new parsonage was erected at a cost of $4,300, including 
the lot on Myrtle Street. The first lot was sold, having become un- 
suitable owing to the erection of cotton sheds on the adjoining lot. 
A mortgage of $2,600 remained on the parsonage. The next year, 
1885, improvements on the church edifice were accomplished at a 
cost of $4,400, all of which was provided for by subscriptions. The 
edifice was now in splendid condition, with a seating capacity of about 



A. J. DUNBAR. Local Preacher. 


A. S. ROUNDS. 


600, and all the requirements for church work. Bishop R. S. Foster 
preached the reopening sermon, October 11, 1885, and Rev. Dr. S. F. 
Upham preached in the evening. Gains continued; 105 additions 
were made during the pastorate of Rev. W. J. Smith. 

The Worcester Street Mission, now Tremont Street (Oakland), 
took organized form with a stationed preacher. Twenty-eight mem- 
bers and seven probationers were dismissed from Central to unite 
with it. In the organization of Grace Church also several members 
were furnished, so that with all its gains, Central has not reached in 
net membership the place its many additions warranted. Rev. A. W. 
Kingsley, like eight of his predecessors, enjoyed a three years’ pas- 
torate, during which advances were made in benevolences and in 
pastor’s salary, and a new piano was purchased by the Epworth 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


21 I 


League. This church has been noted during its history for the re- 
spect and deference paid its pastors, and the latter have parted from 
this cordial and harmonious people with regret. The present pastor, 
Rev. C. A. Stenhouse, appointed in April, 1893, * s closing the fifth 
year in that spirit. The hard financial conditions throughout the coun- 
try have prevented any marked material progress, yet many improve- 
ments on the church and in the furnishings of the parsonage have 
been made. The present membership is 267, with several proba- 
tioners. 


PASTORS. 


1853- 

W. H. Stetson 

1854- 

C. H. Titus 

1855- 

H. C. Atwater 

1856-57- 

S. F. Upham 

1858. 

J. A. M. Chapman 

1859. 

James Mather 

1860-61. 

John Howson 

1862. 

E. H. Hatfield 

1863-65. 

Frederick Upham 

1866. 

J. W. Willett 


1867-68. H. D. Robinson 
1869-71. A. Anderson 
1872-74. A. P. Palmer 
l % 75 ~ 77 - O. H. Fernald 
1878-80. J. E. Hawkins 
1881-83. Edward Edson 
1884-86. G. W. Hunt 
1887-89. W. J. Smith 
1890-92. A. W. Kingsley 
1893 — C. A. Stenhouse 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — President, J. W. Thayer; Secretary and Treasurer, Ezra 
Hamlen; A. S. Rounds, J. W. Strang, B. B. Grinnell, J. B. Farring- 
ton, J. A. Messenger, L. P. Gammons, Nathaniel Smellie. 

Stewards — Recording, A. S. Rounds; District, J. W. Thayer; 
G. H. Park, G. T. Davis, L. M. Gammons, G. H. Thayer, F. E. 
Grinnell, G. W. Richardson, W. H. Waitt, L. L. Mitchell, F. W. 
Dixon, J. A. Mitchell, T. W. Smith. 

Secretary — Lewis L. Mitchell. 

Treasurer — Andre S. Rounds. 

Class Leaders — Ezra Hamlen, W. H. Waitt, B. H. Scudder, T. O. 
Sherman. 

Local Preacher — Andrew J. Dunbar. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, B. H. Scudder; First Assistant, 
T. O. Sherman; Second Assistant, Lillian Lincoln; Secretary and 
Treasurer, J. A. Mitchell; Assistant Secretary, C. E. Redfern; 
Librarian, C. E. Drinkwater; First Assistant, L. M. Gammons; Sec- 
ond Assistant, Clifford Davis; Third Assistant, Clarence Gammons; 
Chorister, C. E. Drinkwater; Pianist, Clara Clark; .Secretary Sunday 
School Board, Lillian Lincoln; Sunday School Committee, O. L. 
Baker, N. Smellie, E. W. Cobb, Lena I. Baker, Adelaide W. Cran- 
nage, Emily Stoddard, G. T. Davis, Elizabeth Codding, Hannah E. 
Willett; Teachers, Josephine D. Southwick, Mary A. Baker, Lena 
Lewis, Lena Baker, Ezra Hamlen, Clara Clark, Annie B. Dickerman, 
Mary A. Scudder, Lucy W. Grinnell, Lilia R. Clayton, Eliza C. Strang, 
Rachel A. Stenhouse, Henrietta E. Davis, Thomas W. Smith, Lewis L. 


2 12 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Mitchell, Mary M. Cushing, Maria E. Farrington, Thomas O. Sher- 
man, John W. Thayer, Benjamin W. Scudder, Carrie D. Thrasher, 
Andre S. Rounds, Hannah C. Mowry, Jennie Smith, Hattie Bonner, 
Belle Josselyn, Alice B. Davis, Lillian Lincoln. Miss Carrie D. 
Thrasher has a been a teacher ever since the organization of the school. 

The Sunday School superintendents have been as follows: G. O. 
White, J. G. Luscomb, Z. F. Jenney, E. N. Jenney, William Hutchin- 
son, J. J. Stanley, Joseph Hague, J. H. Codding, Ezra Hamlen, W. H. 
Waitt, A. S. Rounds, T. O. Sherman, W. M. Dunbar W. L. Park, 
E. A. Barker, J. B. Farrington, B. H. Scudder. 

Epworth League — Chapter 656 was organized in 1889. Its first 
president was Walter L. Park, who held the office five years. His 
successor was the present incumbent. The membership is nearly 
ninety. President, L. L. Mitchell; First Vice-President, Mary E. 
Pye (deceased); Second Vice-President, Abbie F. Dunbar; Third Vice- 
President, Alice B. Davis; Fourth Vice-President, Lilia R. Clayton; 
Secretary, Andrew J. Dunbar; Treasurer, W. H. Waitt; Chorister, 
Lillian A. Mitchell; Organist, Mary A. Scudder. 

The work of the League in all departments has been character- 
ized by zeal and efficiency. It has been a help to the work of the 
church. 

Ladies' Social Circle — This society was organized under another 
name in 1852, the year before the church took organic form, and has 
had a prosperous history. It has on its records minutes which show 
how much aid it gave to the Union cause in the 60’ s by preparing 
hospital supplies, etc. It has also helped the poor in the city. In its 
regular work it has earned and expended thousands of dollars for the 
church and parsonage and current expenses. The officers are: Presi- 
dent, Mrs. Louisa K. Coombs; Vice-President, Mrs. Ezra Hamlen; 
Secretary, Mrs. J. F. Cushing; Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Strang. 

King's Daughters — The Central Class Circle of King’s Daughters 
and Sons was organized May 17, 1895. They took for their motto, 
'‘Never Alone,” and for their text, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” 
Ten women enrolled as pioneer members, but the number became 
eleven very soon. The first kindly act of the Circle was to give an 
outing party at Sabbatia Park on July 24, 1895, to members of the 
Old Ladies’ Home. During the two years of its history the Circle 
has raised and expended over one hundred dollars in gifts to the 
church, Sunday School and to “Gordon Rest” of “The Helping Hand 
Society.” The Circle has furnished needy families with provisions 
and destitute persons with clothing, besides remembering the sick 
with flowers, fruit, etc. At funerals gifts of flowers have been made. 
The two years have been filled with good deeds. The officers are as 
follows: Leader, Mrs. Martha W. Chace; Vice-Leader, Mrs. Sarah 
J. Dixon; Treasurer, Mrs. Harriet N. Hatch; Secretary, Mrs. Jose- 
phine Southwick. Members: Mrs. Cornelia A. Gammons, Mrs. Flora 
H. Gammons, Mrs. Ella M. Grinnell, Mrs. B. H. Lawton, Mrs. M. M. 
Scudder, Mrs. Mary M. Cushing, Mrs. J. W. Strang, Lemuel P. 
Gammons, John W. Gammons, B. B. Grinnell, Fred M. Scudder. 


FIRST M. E. CHURCH, TAUNTON, MASS. 

Up to the present date, July, 1897, no history of this church has 
•ever been written, and so the data for this historical sketch are 
meagre and ambiguous, and we cannot vouch for the absolute ac- 
curacy of all the statements herein contained. Tradition saith that 
the Rev. George Whitefield preached in the Congregational Church 

in Taunton during the pastorate 
of the sixth minister, the Rev. 
Josiah Crocker, either on the oc- 
casion of his third visit to Amer- 
ica in 1744 or on his sixth tour 
in 1764. In 1830 “Father Dane” 
and the Rev. Amos Binney had 
charge of the “Mansfield and 
Taunton” circuit. As early as 
this, Methodist meetings were 
held in the old Town House, on 
Dean Street. 

Messrs. Solomon Woodward, 
Edmund Anthony, John Haskell, 
Mr. Lindsey and a few others 
were Methodists and probably 
organied a class-meeting at the 
Weir. At all events, class-meet- 
ings were being held in this vicin- 
ity by these gentlement as early 
as 1833. 

The first Love Feast ever held in Taunton was held at the home 
of one of these gentlemen, Mr. Solomon Woodward, on Main Street, 
in the year 1833. Mrs. Mary Chace, still living, atended that service. 
Before this church was organized or there was a preacher stationed 
here from the conference, the people enjoyed hearing occasional ser- 
mons from such men as the Rev. Amos Binney, David Culver, War- 
ren Emerson, John D. Baldwin, C. D. Rogers. At about this time 
Messrs. Anthony, Woodward and Haskell came from the Green and 
started meetings in the house of a colored woman named Mitchell, at 
what is now known as Happy Hollow. These services were held at 5 
o’clock Sunday afternoons, and resulted in the conversion of a very 
large number of persons — heads of families as well as the younger 
people — and these people constituted the nucleus of that church, which 
•was soon after organized here at the Weir. 

The first minister to be stationed here by the conference was the 



FIRST CHURCH, TAUNTON. 



214 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 



Rev. Samuel Coggshall, D. D., in 1834, who set himself to the task of 
raising funds wherewith to build a church. He was successful, and 
the first edifice was begun in the same year, 1834, and finished and 
dedicated in 1835. 

of the Register of Deeds-for 
the city of Taunton, the 
grantor of the land on which 
the church was built was one 
Seth Williams, and the trus- 
tees to whom the land was 
deeded in trust were the fol- 
lowing persons : Edmund An- 
thony, John Haskell, William 
Warren, William Read, Jr., 
Abiathar White. This deed 
was dated October 25, 1834. 
Abiathar White was a builder 
and contractor; he built the 
North Dighton church edifice 
and may have built that of the First M. E. Church at the Weir. 

Such prosperity attended this church, spiritual and financial, and 
such was the numerical increase that as early as 1846, or in a dozen 
years after its organization, the church building was enlarged, during 
the pastorate of the Rev. William Livesey. 

A parsonage was built on First Street about the year 1850, which 


According to records in the office 


FIRST CHURCH PARSONAGE. 



REV. W. A. LUCE. MRS. W. A. LUCE. 


was afterwards sold and the present parsonage, next to the church 
on Weir Street, was bought. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


215 


The church edifice was enlarged and almost entirely rebuilt — the 
work having been commenced during the pastorate of Rev. C. H. 
Titus, in 1868, and finished the next year, 1869, or during the first 
year of the Rev. Lewis B. Bates’ administration. The church building 




M. A. DARY, LLOYD W. PRATT, 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

was moved further back from Weir Street, and underwent such exten- 
sive changes that very little of the original building remains. 

The church was re-dedicated June 10, 1869, the Rev. C. S. Hare, 



REV. G. W. KING, Ph. D., AND WIFE. 

Pastor 1892-96. 

D. D., of Boston, preaching the sermon. Messrs. Jacob Burt and 
Calvin Presbrey are the oldest living members, having joined the 
church in 1845. Mrs. Mary C. Patten, who lived 100 years, lacking 
one day, joined this church by letter in 1852, was a regular attendant 



2l6 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


for more than forty years, and during the most of this time was 
superintendent of the infant department in the Sunday School. Her 
property on Weir Street was left to the church in her will, and quite 
a sum of money from Mrs. Patten’s estate will go, in equal shares, to 
the Missionary Society and to the Conference Claimants Fund of the 
N. E. S. Conference when the estate is finally settled. 

Mrs. Mary W. Chace, another “Mother in Israel,” still lives, 
for forty-two years a member and an earnest and conscientious 
worker. Mr. Henry F. Cobb was a very loyal and devoted member 
of this church for half a century. He loved the church. Mr. William H. 
Merrill was long a member, and as trustee, steward, class leader and 
Sunday School superintendent served the church faithfully and well. 
Mr. Benjamin Wilbur was treasurer of this church for many years, an 
exemplary Christian and efficient worker. Other prominent members 
were Samuel Miller, John P. Crane, Lemuel T. Talbot, Job Chace 
and John S. Thomas. This is the mother-church of Taunton. Metho- 
dism is today large, prosperous and influential, numbering in her 
membership many strong and wise and great men, and women, too. 


PASTORS. 


1 834- 3 5 * S. W. Coggesall, D. D. 1857-58. 

1 835- 36. Rufus Spaulding 1859. 

1837. Daniel Fillmore, C. S. 1860-61. 

Macreading 1862-63. 

1838. Mosely Dwight, Rufus 1864-66. 

Spaulding 1867-68. 

1839-40. E. B. Bradford 1869-71. 

1841-42. Lewis Bates 1872-74. 

1843-44. J. D. Butler J 875-76. 

1845. D. Webb, J. Parkin- 1877-78. 

son 1879-81. 

1846. William Livesey 1882-83. 

1847-48. J. M. Worcester 1884-86. 

1849-50. Paul Townsend 1887-88. 

1851-52. S. C. Brown 1889-91. 

1853. G. M. Carpenter 1892-96. 

1854. Sanford Benton 1897 — * 

I ^ 55 " 5 ^- Henry Baylies 


Charles Nason 
S. W. Coggshall 
J. P. Benton 
N. P. Philbrook 
J. D. King 
Charles H. Titus 
Lewis B. Bates 
Charles Young 
Angelo Canoll 
E. McChesnev 
H. A. Cleveland 
C. W. Gallagher 
S. McBurney 
H. B. Cady 
E. C. Bass 
G. W. King 
W. A. Luce 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — George E. Wilbur, W. E. Walker, Jacob Burt, C. H. 
Lincoln, A. W. Parker, L. B. West, M. A. Dary, John Pauli, W. N. 
Parker. 

Stewards George W. Barrows, J. L. Presbrey, H. G. Leonard, 
W. D. Richardson, C. W. Robinson, Robert P. Weller, Lloyd W. 
Pratt, John H. Staples, Robert B. Pickering, Charles T. Sabine 
George E. Pierce, E. F. Morton, W. L. Evans. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


21 7 


Class Leaders — C. W. Robinson, Mrs. Cora L. Brownell. 

Superintendent Junior Epworth League — Mrs. M. L. Bicknell. 

Ladies' Aid Society — President, Mrs. L. B. West; Treasurer, 
George W. Barrows; Collector, W. N. Parker; Pew Renter, C. H. 
Lincoln; Choir Master, Charles R. Park; Organist, George Hatha- 
way; Sexton, Charles Fisher, residence, ioo Somerset Avenue. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, M. A. Dary; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Chester Robinson; Secretary, Mrs. D. L. Hamlen; Treasurer, 
W. H. Thomas; Librarian, Allie Smith; Superintendent Infant De- 
partment, Mrs. Flora J. Dary; Librarian Infant Department, Gertie 
Staples. Teachers, Alice Lincoln, Fannie Briggs, Ida G. Barrows, 
Mrs. Alice Staples, Fred Boardman, Mrs. Cora Brownell, Mrs. Henry 
G. Leonard, Annie V. Strange, Nellie Drew, Mrs. Anna Blackwell, 
Mrs. Abbie J. Perry, Mary Barrows, Mrs. Mabel Bicknell, Mrs. 
Almira Haskins, John Pauli, Mrs. Emeline B. Welch, George W. Bar- 
rows, W. D. Richardson, Lillie Carey, George E. Pierce, Mrs. Martha 
A. Morrison, Mrs. George Barrows, Robert Weller, Lizzie Dunbar, 
Ethel Reed, Mrs. M. A. Dary, Mrs. L. B. West, Mrs. Ella P. Merrill, 
Mrs. Harry Bragg, Marjie Walker, L. B. West, Mrs. A. H. Francis, 
Mrs. Lydia Blake, Mrs. A. Boardman, Maud Dupee, Lizzie Irving, 
Mrs. Ella A. Luce. 

Epworth League — President, Lloyd Pratt; First Vice-President, 
Nellie B. Drew; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Mabel Bicknell; Third 
Vice-President, Mrs. Abbie J. Irving; Fourth Vice-President, W. D. 
Richardson; Secretary, S. Lizzie Dunbar; Treasurer, George E. 
Boardman. 



RAILROAD PARK, YARMOUTH CAMP-MEETING, 




GRACE M. E. CHURCH, TAUNTON, MASS. 

This church owes its existence to the late Captain W. H. Phillips, 
whose portrait accompanies this sketch. He purchased the church 
and parsonage, previously owned by the Free Will Baptists, and gen- 
erously gave them the opportunity to redeem the property, which, 
however, they were unable to do. Their pastor, Rev. Samuel Mc- 
Keown, himself a generous contributor toward the building of the 
church, together with several of the members, expressed a willingness 
to become Methodists and thus to continue worshipping in the same 


GRACE CHURCH, TAUNTON. 

building. Accordingly, with the approval of Captain Phillips and of 
the Presiding Elder, Rev. W. V. Morrison, D. D., a Methodist- 
Episcopal church was organized, consisting of twelve members from 
the Free Will Baptists and thirteen from other Methodist-Episcopal 
churches. The dedication service was conducted according to' the 
Methddist ritual, December 3, 1874, Dr. E. Tourjee of Boston con- 
ducting the music, and Rev. L. B. Bates, D. D., preaching the ser- 
mon. At the suggestion of Dr. Morrison, the new organization was 
named Grace church. The pastor, Rev. S. McKeown, continued in 
charge until the ensuing annual conference, April, 1875. 

The burden of the cost of the property has been from the first 
sustained by Captain Phillips, the church paying no interest. During 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


219 


the pastorate of Rev. E. D. Hall an effort was made to reduce the 
indebtedness. Together with his family, by whom his good works 
are continued, Captain Phillips built and gave to the church a beau- 
tiful and commodious chapel adjoining the rear of the church building. 

This was dedicated January 21, 1892, 
and is a memorial to his late grand- 
daughter, Fannie W. Montgomery. 
The church and chapel, built of brick, 
and the parsonage, a tasteful, commo- 
dious frame building, form a pleasing 
group, delightfully situated at the 
junction of Somerset avenue and Weir 
street. Together also they furnish 
abundant facility for every branch of 
church work at present, as well as for 
future growth. 

As a result of meetings held, chiefly 
by members of this church, at Happy 
Hollow, east of Taunton River, a 
building named Parker Chapel was 
erected during the year 1895, where 
services are regularly maintained under the direction of Grace 
Church Quarterly Conference. 

The Sunday School has always been successful. Its nucleus 
was the Free Will Baptist Sunday School, whose superintendent, A. J. 
Lawrence, became the first superintendent under Grace Church. The 
order of Superintendents is: To 1877, A. J. Lawrence; 1877, R- ev - 
W. T. Worth; 1878, G. F. Gavitt; 1879, J. N. Pierce; 1880 to 1884, 
E. F. Anthony; 1884, Rev. 

E. F. Jones; 1885, J. L. Meri- 
gold; 1886 to 1889, A. N. 

Dyer; 1889, C. J. Hart; 1893 
to 1895, C. F. Luther; 1895, 

L. L. Smith; 1896, C. F. Lu- 
ther; 1897, E. G. Chick. 

The Ladies’ Aid Society 
was organized in 1875 and 
has been a great social as well 
as financial help to the church. 

The Young People’s Chris- 
tian League was organized in 
1887 and became Chapter 325 

of the Epworth League at the organization of that body. 




CAPT. W. H. PHILLIPS. 



220 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


A branch of the Woman’s Home Missionary Society was organ- 
ized in 1887, which has continuously prosecuted its benevolent work. 
The church has enjoyed a good degree of spiritual prosperity. A 



REV. B. F. SIMON. MRS. B. F. SIMON. 

gracious revival occurred during the first few months of its organiza- 
tion, under the pastoral work of Rev. Samuel McKeown and the 
leadership of the evangelist, Mrs. H. D. Walker. Occasions of special 
revival have been frequent and permanently beneficial, besides which 



E. G. CHICK. 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


E. S. YOUNG. 
Epworth League President. 



the ordinary methods of church work have been rewarded by many 
conversions. From this church several young men have entered the 
Christian ministry. Many of its members have joined the church 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


221 


triumphant, yet the original twenty-five are now represented by over 
three hundred members and probationers. 

Among the workers not previously mentioned who have gone 
from the membership of this church to their final reward may be 
named Israel Allen, whose work was successful in all departments of 
church activity, and John Seekell, who is remembered as one of the 
founders and generous supporters of Grace Church. 


PASTORS. 


1875. S. McKeown 
1875-78. W. T. Worth 
1878-80. S. J. Carroll 
1880-83. E. D. Hall 
1883-85. E. F. Jones 


1885-87. W. J. Yates 
1887-89. E. L. Hyde 
1889-92. H. B. Cady 
1892-97. E. F. Clark 
1897 — B. F. Simon 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — J. F. Montgomery, H. L. Babbitt, Miles Dean, B. F. 
Cunningham, J. L. Merigold, C. F. Luther, W. B. Ashley, Joshua 
Gould. 

Stewards — A. J. Lawrence, A. E. Blake (Dist.), Mrs. F. W. 
Phillips, Mrs. I. L. Montgomery, Mrs. S. A. Read, H. W. Morris, 
Philip Buffington, C. F. Luther (Rec.), J. W. Hammond, B. F. Thur- 
ber, C. J. Hart, Miss E. J. Whiting, Mrs. Amy C. Buck. 

Class Leaders — A. N. Dyer, Mrs. E. A. Dyer, G. A. Grant, C. S. 
Thrasher. 

Local Preacher — E. G. Chick. 

Exhorters — H. L. Babbitt, G. A. Grant, E. S. Young. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, E. G. Chick; First Assistant, 
Sam Smith; Primary Superintendent, Mrs. I. L. Montgomery; Sec- 
retary, Miss H. N. Newcomb; Treasurer, Mrs. W. T. Townsend; 
Organist, George G. Crane; Chorister, E. S. Young; Librarian, F. E. 
Wellman; Assistant Librarians, Miss E. M. Haradon and Miss S. A. 
Gross; Periodical Secretary, Fred. L. Canham. Teachers, Charles 
J. Hart, T. N. Taylor, George Davis, E. N. Henninger, Joshua Gould, 
Mrs. Cora Buffington, Mrs. Ellen Wilbur, Mrs. Estella Smith, Miss 
Gertrude Briggs, Miss E. J. Whiting, Mrs. Annie Francis, Mrs. E. A. 
Dyer, Mrs. Minnie Hart, Mrs. Almira Foster, Mrs. W. S. Geary, 
Mrs. Hannah Young, Mrs. Clara Canham, Mrs. B. F. Simon, Miss 
Cora Cunningham, Miss Lizzie Bartel. 

Epworth League — President, Mr. E. S. Young; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Mr. F. L. Canham; Second Vice-President, Mrs. H. J. Young; 
Third Vice-President, Miss E. J. Whiting; Fourth Vici -President, 
Mrs. Cora Buffington; Secretary, Miss Sadie A. Gross; Treasurer, 
Mr. Sam Smith. 


TREMONT STREET M. E. CHURCH, TAUNTON, MASS. 

In 1884, I. N. Allen, a local preacher, visited Oakland, and get- 
ting a few people together, began religious services in the Worcester 
Street Chapel, which had been built by stockholders for no par- 
ticular denomination. The attendance increased and a Sunday School 
was established. Rev. George W. Hunt, then pastor of the Central 
M. E. Church, Taunton, held revival services in this chapel, Novem- 
ber, 1886. About twenty persons were converted and thirteen united 
with the Central M. E. Church, Taunton. 

The meetings at the Worcester 
Street Chapel continued. Rev. Charles 
Hammond supplied the pulpit for a 
time. His health failing, students 
from the East Greenwich Academy, 
Rhode Island, were secured until 
September, 1887, when Rev. James A. 
Wood was secured as preacher. He 
continued to preach here until April, 
1888, when Rev. Jordan C. Wells was 
appointed pastor by the Conference. 

A meeting was held April 22, 1888, 
by certain persons appointed by the 
Central M. E. Church, Taunton, for 
the purpose of organizing “The 
Worcester Street M. E. Church/’ 
Presiding Elder C. W. Gallagher 
being present. This was the birth of the Tremont Street M. E. 
Church, Taunton, Mass. A building lot on Tremont Street was pur- 
chased in the fall of 1888. In 1889 the church was erected and dedi- 
cated by Bishop Mallalieu. The largest number of members at any 
one time previous to present writing was twenty-nine. Last Decem- 
ber, 1896, the membership was reduced to twenty-two. The pulpit 
was being supplied by students from Boston. The salary was three 
dollars and fifty cents per week; but amid all the discouraging circum- 
stances God has graciously revived His church. During the last nine 
months the new members and probationers have increased the mem- 
bership over 100 per cent. The salary has been raised to at least 
four hundred dollars and a genuine revival spirit prevails. The 
heroic efforts and unwavering faith of a “faithful few” have been re- 
warded in this crisis period of the history of the church. 

The Epwoirth League has been brought from its grave and in- 
spired with new life. It has increased its active and associate mem- 
bership to- seventy-two. 



REV. L. EVERETT SQUIRES. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


223 


PASTORS. 


1888. 

Jordan C. Wells 

1894-95. 

S. J. Paterson 

1891. 

John S. Bell 

1896. 

N. D. Bigelow 

1892. 

Joseph Simpson 

1896 — 

L. Everett Squires 

1893- 

Harry Critchlow 





JOHN PRING, JR.. 

Sunday School Superintendent. 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — John Pring, Jr., Thomas L. Smith, Benjamin S. Peel, 
Samuel N. Busbee, George H. Gould, Lloyd H. Leonard, Ernest L. 
Wither ell. 

Stewards — Alice E. Wilmarth, Nancy H. Wilmarth, Anna E. 
Wilmarth, Alice A. Willis, Alice E. Gould, Amelia E. Busbee, John 
Pring, Jr., Thomas L. Smith, B. S. Peel, Samuel N. Busbee, George 
H. Gould, Lloyd H. Leonard. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, George H. Gould; Assistant Su- 
perintendent, Samuel N. Busbee; Secretary and Treasurer, Sophie 
Wilmarth; Librarian, Herbert B. Payne; Organist, Florence A. Bus- 
bee; Teachers, Mrs. Anna Wilmarth, Miss Alice Wilmarth, Mrs. Alice 
Gould, Miss Anna F. Cummings, Miss Bertha Leonard. 

Epworth League — President, L. Everett Squires; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, William A. Hackett; Second Vice-President, Herbert B. Payne; 
Third Vice-President, Miss Anna F. Cummings; Fourth Vice-Presi- 
dent, George H. Gould; Secretary, Sophie Wilmarth; Treasurer, 
Charles H. Pierce. 



FIRST M. E. CHURCH, TRURO, MASS. 

Just how and when Methodism began in Truro but little can be 
learned. Something concerning its birth will be found in connection 
with the history of the Second Methodist Church in the town, as pre- 
pared for this volume. The picture entitled “The Second Methodist 

Church built in New Eng- 
land,” kindly loaned by 
Shibnah Rich, author of a 
published history of the 
town, and to whom we are 
indebted for some of the 
foregoing facts, represents 
the first home of the So- 
ciety. This, says Mr. 
Rich, according to good 
authority, was built in 
1794, and continued to be 
the home of Methodism 
in Truro until 1826, when 
it was voted to build a 
a new meeting-house. This 
building, a barn-like structure about forty feet square, with two' tiers 
of windows, like the portholes of a ship of the line, stiff galleries 
on three sides, and a two-story pulpit with red doors, was finished 
within the year, was dedicated by the Rev. Lewis Bates, and was 
styled the North Meeting 
House, now called the 
Centre Church. 

Preaching services were 
held here two-thirds of 
the year, and at the old 
house one-third until 1830, 
when it was voted to sup- 
port preaching in the 
North Meeting House all 
the ensuing year. 

In 1845 this house was 
entirely remodeled. A few 
years ago other important 
changes were made, and 
thus modernized it is a 
neat and tasty little church, well kept in all its appointments, and 




THE TRURO CHURCH. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


225 


when other changes contemplated in the near future, in the addition 
of steeple and bell are made, it will be as attractive outside as it is 
now within. 

In 1827 it was judged necessary to organize a parish meeting in 
connection with the church. This continued until 1889, when it was 
seen to be unwise and unmethodistic, and so< it was decided that it 
should be convened no more. 

Marked revivals have taken place. The great revival of 1821, 
under Edward Hyde, Frederick Upham and others, was mighty in- 
deed; over four hundred made profession of religion, and two hun- 
dred and thirty-six joined the Methodist Church. 

After the October gale of 1841, in which fifty-seven of the citi- 



MRS. W. D. WILKINSON, 


REV. W. D. WILKINSON. 


zens lost their lives, a season of fasting and prayer was held by the 
people of the town in the Congregational Church. This was the 
beginning of a revival that centred in the First Methodist Church, and 
many were led to Him who is indeed a “refuge in time of storm.” 

Other awakenings have occurred from time to time, resulting in 
the conversion of a goodly number. Some have gone to strengthen 
other charges, especially in the cities. Others remain faithful in the 
home field; many have joined the church triumphant. 

During the pastorate of Rev. John S. Bell, a Portuguese mission- 
ary visited the charge and a good work was begun among that people, 
resulting in the organization of a class which continues to be a power, 
with a decided missionary spirit. 

From 1795 to 1827 Methodism in Truro had no regular preacher 
in charge, and the names which appear in the following list of 
preachers, many) of whom did grand work for God, include those who 


226 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 



served during that period either as supplies or as circuit preachers. 

From 1876 to 1890 the Centre and South Churches were united, 
since which time the Society, though few in numbers, owing to the 
depletion of the population of the town, has loyally cared for its own 
work, and at this writing (1897) is an aggressive, God-fearing, and 




FIRST CHURCH ERECTED IN TRURO. 

God-loving Society, with class meetings fully sustained, good congre- 
gations, and all financial obligations promptly met. 

October 24, 1895, this church held its centennial celebration, 
which was a great event. A special historical address was given by 
Shibnah Rich. There were many other interesting features. The 
present pastor is closing a fine year’s pastorate with many encouraging 


results. 

PASTORS. 


1795-96. 

Joseph Snelling, George 1806. 

Elijah Willard 


Cannon and Robert 

1807. 

Joel Steele 


Yalley 

1808. 

Erastus Otis 

1797. 

Jacob Ricklow 

1809-11. 

Joseph A. Merrill 

1798. 

Smith Weeks 

1812. 

Robert Arnold 

1799. 

William Beauchamp 

1813. 

Elias Marble 

1800. 

John Merrick 

1814. 

Bartholomew Otheman 

1801. 

Solomon Langdon 

1815. 

Thomas C. Pierce 

1802. 

Edward Whittle 

1816. 

Orin Roberts 

1803. 

Allen H. Cobb 

1817. 

Benjamin Keith 

1804. 

Alfred Metcalf 

1818-19. 

Ephraim Wiley 

1805. 

Philip Munger 

1820-21. 

Edward Hyde 


SOUVENIR HISTORY . 


227 


1822-23. 

1824. 

1825-26. 

1827. 

1828. 

1829. 
1830-31. 
1832-33. 

1834-35- 

1836-37. 

1838-39. 


Leonard Bennett 
S. G. Atkins 
Lewis Bates 
Warren Wilbur 
Benjamin Keith 
Abram Holway 
William R. Stone 
William Ramsdell 
Enoch Bradley 
Thomas W. Gile 
J. R. Barstow 



ISAIAH SNOW, 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


1840. 

1841-42. 

1843- 

1844- 45. 
1846. 
1847-48. 

1849. 

1850. 
1851-52. 

1853- 

1854- 

1855- 56. 

1857- 

1858- 59. 
1860-62. 

1863. 

1864. 

1865. 

1866. 
1867-68. 

1869. 

1870. 
1871-73. 
1874-75. 
1876-78. 

l87Q. 

1880-82. 

188^-85. 

1886-88. 

i 88 q-qo. 

18Q1-92. 

1893 — 


Levi Woods 
Reuben Bowen 
Thomas Patten 
Charles A. Carter 
Henry Mayo 
Samuel Beedle 
Onesiphorus Robbins 
Theophilus B. Gurney 
Thomas D. Blake 
Edward B. Hinckley 
Lewis E. Dunham 
John W. Willett 
William E. Sheldon 
Nathan P. Selee 
James B. Washburn 
Lawton Cady 
Adin H. Newton 
Joseph Gerry 
Hefflin S. Smith 
Jason Gill 
Unsupplied 
Isaac G. Price 
Isaac Sherman 
Richard Burn 
Virgil W. Mattoon 
Charles N. Hinckley 
John S. Fish 
Charles T. Hatch 
Tohn O. Adams 
Tohn S. Bell 
Charles H. Walter 
William D. Wilkinson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Isaiah Snow, Barnabas Paine, Samuel C. Paine, Joseph 
Higgins, C. W. Snow. 

Stewards — Isaiah Snow, Barnabas Paine, John Corey, Joseph 
Higgins, Sarah E. Lombard, Sarah A. Snow, Martha Dyer. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Isaiah Snow; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Barnabas Paine. 

Epworth League — President, William D. Wilkinson; First Vice- 
President, Mrs. W. D. Wilkinson; Second Vice-President, Mrs. R. F. 
Honey; Third Vice-President, Mrs. M. Corey; Fourth Vice-President, 
G. W. Snow; Secretary, Sarah E. Lombard; Treasurer, Mrs. C. W. 
Snow. 


M. E. CHURCH, VINEYARD HAVEN, MASS. 


The first Methodist who preached the Gospel on Martha’s Vine- 
yard was John Sanders, a local preacher from Virginia. Eight years 
later that iapostle of New England Methodism, Jesse Lee, stepped 

{ashore at Holmes Hole, as Vine- 
'yard Haven was then called, and 
preached to a handful of hearers 
in a cottage. 

In 1797 the first appointee set 
foot ashore. He and all others 
who followed him up to 1833 had 
all the island for a charge. 

. After 1800 nothing certain is 
known until 1809, when Rev. E. 
Otis, who was stationed in Fal- 
mouth, preached on the island fre- 
quently during his two years’ stay. 

During the pastorate of Shipley 
W. Wilson (1816-17) the first class 
meeting was formed with Hiram 
Chase as leader, who led it for 
thirty years. 

In the years 1821-23, John 
Adams, who was called “Reforma- 
tion Adams,” was famous as a mighty revival preacher. He found 113 
members and left 210. 



VINEYARD HAVEN CHURHC. 


The first camp-meeting held on Martha’s Vineyard was at West 
Chop, and was during the pas- 


torates of John Adams and 
Caleb Lamb (1826-27). 

In 1833 the first M. E. Church 
was erected. Before this the 
congregation had worshipped 
in a meeting-house used alike 
by the Congregationalists, Bap- 
tists and others, and was a 
private concern. 

From 1833 to' 1856 the pas- 
tors preached at Vineyard 
Haven and Chilmark. 

The first parsonage was built 
during the pastorate of Rev. O. 
Robbins (1839-41). 



VINEYARD HAVEN PARSONAGE. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


229 

During the pastorate of Rev. A. B. Wheeler (1845-47), the present 
church was built. 

The name of the charge was changed during the pastorate of 



REV. J. E. DUXBURY. MRS. J. E. DUXBURY. 


Rev. Philo Hawkes (1870-72), from Holmes Hole to Vinyard 
Haven. At this time there were 136 members and 37 probationers. 
The pipe organ was bought at this time. 


■ — - 








V • 




— ;; 





: . ' 

JOHN H. CROWELL, 


MISS NELLIE CALL, 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


Epworth League President. 


Rev. S. F. Harriman (1885-87) wrote a history of the church from 
which the foregoing is taken. 

Rev. R. E. Schuh was the means of procuring the present par- 
sonage. 





230 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


At the last annual session of the New England Southern Confer- 
ence the present pastor, John E. Duxbury, was appointed to this 
charge and found it in good condition, and located in the most salu- 
brious and beautiful place in the gift of the Conference. 



PASTORS. 


1797. 

Jesse Lee 

1836. 

Joseph B. Brown 

1798. 

Joseph Snelling 

1837- 

Abram Holloway 

1799. 

E. Kibby 

1838. 

Mark Staple 

1809. 

E. Otis 

1839-40. 

O. Robbins 

1811. 

William Hinman 

1841. 

Henry H. Smith 

1812. 

Edward Plyde 

1842-43. 

J. S. Goodrich 

1813. 

William Frost 

1844. 

Nathan Hale 

1814. 

John W. Hardy 

1845-46. 

A. B. Wheeler 

1815. 

Benjamin Hazelton 

1847-48. 

S. W. Coggeshall 

1815. 

Benjamin Hazleton and 

1849-50. 

M. J. Talbot 


John Lindsay 

1851-52. 

George W. Sterns 

1816. 

Shipley W. Wilson 

1853. 

William H. Stetson 

1817. 

Thomas M. Tucker 

1854-55- 

Franklini Gavitt 

1818. 

Shipley W. Wilson 

1856-57- 

William Leonard 

1819-20. 

Eleazer Steele 

1858-59. 

Alonzo Latham 

1821-22. 

John Adams 

1860-61. 

F. A. Loomis 

1823. 

Francis Dane and F. 

1862-63. 

;M. P. Alderman 


Uphani 

1864. 

William V. Morrison 

1824. 

Edward T. Taylor 

1865. 

John N. .Collier 


(Father Taylor) 

1866. 

J. F. Sheffield 

1825. 

David Culver 

1867-69. 

E, Edson 

1826. 

John Adams and Caleb 

1870-71. 

Philo Hawkes 


Lamb 

1872-73. 

James O. Thompson 

1827. 

Jotham Horton, Will- 

1874. 

J. D. King 


iam Barstow and C. 

1875-76. 

Eben Tirrell 


Lamb 

1877. 

A. L. Dearing 

1828. 

John C. Pierce and 

1878-79. 

George H. Butler 


William Barstow 

1880-81. 

Wilbur F. Steele 

1829. 

John C. Pierce and 

1882-841. 

W. I. Ward 


Hezekiah Thatcher . 

1885-86. 

S. F. Harriman 

1830-31. 

Epaphras Kibby and 

1887-89. 

George A. Grant 


Thomas G. Brown 

1890. 

S. M. Beale 

1832. 

J. J. Bliss and Lewis 

1891-92. 

R. E. Schuh 


Jansen 

1893-96. 

S. F. Johnson 

1833-34. 

Mark Staple 

<897 — 

John E. Duxbury 

T835. 

Aaron Joselvn 




PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — M. L. Smith, A. W. Smith, Warren Luce, H. W. Beetle, 
Charles Gifford, John H. Crowell, W. S. Swift, J. M. Tabor, Owen H. 
Tilton. 

Stewards — M. L. Smith, John H. Crowell, A. W. Smith, Warren 
Luce (D. S.), H. W. Beetle, A. H. Chesborough, W. S. Swift (R. S.), 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


231 

H. A. Swift, Lydia Eldridge, Fannie Smith, Almira Luce, Addie 
Butler. 

Local Preacher — William G. Smith. 

Exhorters — George E. Ames, E. W. Cook. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, John H. Crowell; Assistant Sup- 
erintendent, Mrs. George Eldridge; Secretary, Miss Jennie Cleveland; 
Treasurer, Mrs. Norman Johnson; Librarian, Mrs. Holmes Swift. 

Epworth League — President, Miss Nellie Call; First Vice-President, 
W. S. Swift; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Norman Johnson; Third 
Vice-President, Mrs. Presbury Luce; Fourth Vice-President, Miss 
Mabel Tilton; Secretary, Mrs. Herbert Hancock; Treasurer, Mrs. 
Lyman Vinto; Superintendent Junior League, Mrs. J. E. Duxbury. 


M. E. CHURCH, WAREHAM, MASS. i 

It is not known that there was any Methodist preaching in Ware- 
ham previous to 1812. In that year two young men, Heman Perry 
and Covell Bangs, came from Sandwich to work here. It being 
known that they were Methodists, it was supposed that they could 
pray and exhort, consequently they were asked to hold meetings. The 

first meeting was held in a house 
now occupied by Mr. William H. 
Fearing. This opened the way for 
Rev. Benjamin R. Hoit, preacher 
in charge of Sandwich, to preach 
here. After this Rev. Frederick 
Upham, in charge at Monument 
(now Bourne) station, preached 
here. 

In 1823 some Methodists from 
Easton came to Wareham to work 
in the nail works. These were 
Messrs. Wilbur, Waters, and Bar- 
low. Others came about the same 
time, and Methodist preaching was 
more frequent. 

In 1826 Rev. John Newland 
Maffet preached frequently in pri- 
vate houses, and once in the Congregational Church. The people 
were favorably impressed by his efforts. 

In 1830 Ebenezer Slocum, a watchmaker by trade, came from the 
South and settled in Wareham. He held meetings in his shop. Some 



THE WAREHAM CHURCH. 


232 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


souls were converted, and in June, 1831, a class was formed, consisting 
of Ebenezer Slocum, Eliza Slocum, Mercy Ann Briggs, Royal Bar- 
low, and Relief Willis. 

Through the labors of Rev. David Culver of Rochester Circuit, 
William Livesey and James Porter, a revival began, which resulted 
in the addition of forty members to the class. About this time the 
Methodist Society was formed by William Fearing, Esq., justice of 
the peace. The first officers of the Society were Ebenezer Slocum, 
clerk; Robert Hinckley, Jeremiah Briggs, and Royal Barlow, Pru- 
dential Committee. 

The Society passed through a period of trial, but was able to build 
a meeting-house. The building was located on the fork of two roads, 
one leading to Carver and the other to Tihonet. It was twenty-eight 
feet square and cost $1,000. 

The year 1834 has been chronicled in the local church records 

as the dark age of Metho- 
dism in Wareham. Prejudice 
against Methodism became 
so strong that it displayed 
itself in open acts of violence, 
and the Methodists found it 
necessary to remain in the 
church night after night. The 
class was reduced to five reg- 
ular attendants. Soon after 
this Mr. T. Morse moved to 
Tihonet and was a great 
encouragement to the litttle 
band of Methodists. 

About 1835 the meeting-house was moved to the Centre, through 
the efforts of Rev. Mr. Marsh (better known as Father Marsh). The 
Society now consisted of twelve members. They were poor in this 
world’s goods, but rich in faith and in love for God and souls. 

In 1836 Wareham was withdrawn from Rochester Circuit, and 
made a separate station. Rev. Samuel Phillips was stationed here. 
The congregation increased and the second year of this pastorate 
witnessed a great revival of religion. In 1840 another great revival 
of religion took place through the efforts of Rev. Charles A. Carter, 
assisted by Revs. J. D. Butler, Washburn and Bicknell. Mr. Car- 
ter’s name is as ointment poured forth among the people of Wareham. 
Here he labored in early life; here he afterwards spent many years in 
sickness and poverty, manifesting his faith by patience in suffering and 
from here his spirit passed to its reward. His influence lingers here 
to stimulate faith and love. 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


233 


In 1841 Rev. James D. Butler was stationed here and remained 
until 1843. These years were marked by continuous prosperity. Many 
souls were converted to God, and the present house of worship was 
Built and dedicated. The cost of the building was $3,000. There 
were 118 persons on probation and fifty-seven in full membership at 
the close of Mr. Butler's pastorate. 

After this the church passed through another period of trial. 
There were many things that were discouraging, but there were those 
who believed in the doctrines of Methodism, and were hopeful of good 
things. The good things came. 

In 1871 through the efforts of Rev. D. M. Rogers a chapel was 



REV. C. T. HATCH. MRS. J. A. ELDRIDGE, 

Epworth League President. 


Built at East Wareham, and the preacher began holding services in 
it. These services had for some time previous been held in a hall, but 
the Swedenborgians also held services in the hall, and the matter 
was a cause of much unpleasantness. With the chapel the Methodists 
got a better hold upon the people, and until this time the preacher 
at Wareham has done the work of pastor and preacher at East 
Wareham. 

In 1877, under the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Gammons, one hundred 
•conversions were reported. 

I11 1879 Rev. J. S. Bell reported fifty conversions. In 1893-96 a 
marked prosperity and increased membership resulted from the efforts 
of Rev. C. H. Walter. 

In April of the year 1896 Rev. C. T. Hatch was stationed here. 
The church property at the Centre was improved, and there was in- 
creased attendance at East Wareham and some conversions. 


234 

SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


PASTORS. 


1836-37. 

Samuel Phillips 

1851. 

Edward H. Hatfield 

1838. 

Henry H. Smith 

1852-53. 

Nathaniel Bemis 

1839. 

Chester W. Turner 

1854 - 

George W. Stearns 

1840. 

Charles A. Carter 

1855 - 

Philip Crandon 

1841-42. 

James D. Butler 

1856. 

Horace C. Atwater 

1843-44. 

Elisha B. Bradford 

1857 - 58 . 

Lawton Cady 

1845- 

John W. Case 

1859-60. 

John W. Willett 

1846. 

Samuel W. Coggshall 

1861. 

Moses Chase 

1847-48. 

Nelson Goodrich 

1862-63. 

Charles Stokes 

1849-50. 

Horatio W. Houghton 

1864. 

George H. Winchester 


1865. George S. Alexander 

1866. Abel Allton 

1867. Daniel J. Griffin 

1868. Charles A. Carter 
1869-70. Daniel J. Griffin 
1871-72. Daniel M. Rogers 
1 873-74. William Livesey 
1 875-76. Edward J. Ayres 
1877-78. John G. Gammons 
1879-80. John S. Bell 

1881. Melville B. Cummings 

1882. George Hudson 
1883-85. William F. Davis 

1886. Benjamin F. Simon 

1887. John Thompson 

1888. John Livesey 

1889-90. William Kirky 
1891-92. Adoniram J. Leach 

180^-95. Charles H. Walter 
1896— Charles T. Hatch 

PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Galen Humphrey, A. Reynolds, N. M. Tripp, William 
Keyes, F. C. Keyes. 

Stewards — Albert Humphrey, Eugene Johnson, L. W. Hall, 
Epoch Williams, F. B. Keyes, J. A. Eldridge, M. D., Edgar Crocker. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Miss Zilpha F. Besse; Assistant 
Superintendent, Samuel B. Tripp; Secretary, George R. Dunham; 
Treasurer, F. Bartlett Keyes; Librarian, Miss Mabel Thomas; Or- 
ganist, Everett C. Lewis. 

Teachers— Mrs. Bessie M. Sears, Mrs. Betsey S. Seaver, F. Bart- 
lett Keyes, Samuel B.Tripp, Eugene H. Johnson, Everett C. Lewis. 

Primary Department — Superintendent, Miss Nettie S. Sampson; 
Teachers, Miss Susie L. Thomas, Miss Lottie P. Besse, Miss Mabel V. 
Hatch, Mrs. Jennie F. Keyes. 

Epzvorth League — President, Mrs. J. A. Eldredge; First Vice- 
President, F. Bartlett; Second Vice-President, Mrs. S. J. Townsend; 



MABEL V. HATCH. 
Junior League Superintendent. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


235 


Third Vice-President, Mrs. Leslie H. Hall; Fourth Vice-President, 
Miss Mabel V. Hatch; Secretary, Miss Nettie F. Sampson; Treasurer, 
Miss Susie L. Thomas. 

Junior League — Superintendent, Mabel V. Hatch ; Assistant Super- 
intendent, Nettie F. Sampson; President, Mary Sheriff; Secretary, 
Minnie Lewis; Treasurer, Jennie Evans. 

In 1831-32 the Methodist-Episcopal Society erected a church. 
It was located near the cemetery at Wareham, in the fork of the two 
roads, one leading to Carver, the other to Tihonet. The house was an 
humble building, twenty-eight feet square and cost $1,000. At this 
time the prejudice against the Methodists was so inveterate that it 
would sometimes manifest itself in open acts of violence. The breth- 
ren, who were few in number, after working hard all day in the nail 
factory, were compelled to spend the night in their little church to 
save it from destruction. One night a ladder was driven through the 
pulpit window, the latches of the doors pried off, windows broken, 
and the building very much damaged. In 1835 it was removed to 
Wareham Centre and enlarged. The present church edifice was dedi- 
cated September 8, 1842. The dedicatory sermon was preached by 
Rev. John Lovejoy of New Bedford. This enterprise was started and 
carried forward to completion during the pastorate of Rev. James D. 
Butler. The house is substantial and commodious and has a large 
vestry that is used for social meetings. 

The above is an extract from the History of Wareham, written 
by Rev. Noble W. Everett for a History of Plymouth County. 



CRANBERRY SCENE ON CAPE COD. 

Photo by E. B. Gurney. 


M. E. CHURCH, EAST WAREHAM, MASS. 

In 1872 the Episcopal-Methodists built a chapel in Agawam Vil- 
lage. Regular Sabbath services are held there, and they have a 
flourishing Sunday School. The chapel was built during the pas- 
torate of the late Rev. David M. Rogers, and he and his devoted wife 
were largely instrumental in its erection. The lot on which it is lo- 
cated was given for the purpose by the late Samuel T. Sherman. 

This chapel is now being 
greatly improved — a room, 
twenty feet square, is in pro- 
cess of construction, which is. 
to be surmounted by a tower,, 
in which a fine bell is to be 
placed. These improvements 
are the result of the enter- 
prise and benevolence of Mr. 
George E. Bryant, of the firm 
of Besse, Bryant & Co., Wor- 
cester, Mass., who gives one- 
half of the amount of the 
cost and donates the bell. 
Mr. Bryant has also had 
a platform erected with panelled front board and curtain for 
the choir, together with the chairs for the choir and an altar rail, all 



W. E. ROBBINS, 
Sunday School Superintendent. 


ALFRED C. COYELL, 
Ex-President Epworth League. 




nicely finished in black walnut. Mr. Bryant’s wife is a daughter of 
the late S. T. Sherman, who gave the lot. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


237 


The religious interest at the chapel is good. Some conversions 
have occurred there the past winter and the attendance is good at all 
services. The chapel services are a part of the regular work of the 
Wareham charge. 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — J. C. Eldridge, Jonathan Westgate, I. B. Eldridge, 
C. H. Bryant, Eugene Ellis. 

Stezvards — Charles H. Bryant, A. C. Coveil, T. A. Morse, Mary J. 
Lockhart, Eugene Ellis, Mary A. Griffith. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, William E. Robbins; Secretary 
and Treasurer, Clara L. Coveil ; Organist, Martha E. Stuart ; Assistant 
Organist, Addie Sherman. Teachers, Mary A. Lockhart, Susan L. 
Eldridge, Alfred C. Covell, Lucia H. Covell, Eugene F. Ellis, Addie 
Sherman, Mabel F. Robbins. Primary Department, Lena Bryant, 
Martha E. Stuart. 

Epworth League — President, C. T. Hatch; First Vice-President, 
W. E. Robbins; Second Vice-President, M. A. Griffith; Third Vice- 
President, Eugene F. Ellis; Secretary, Martha E. Stuart; Treasurer, 
Addie Sherman. 



TABERNACLE, YARMOUTH CAMP-MEETING. 
Photo by E. B. Gurney. 




M. E. CHURCH, WELLFLEET, MASS. 


Methodism came to Wellfleet as a sequence of that singular prov- 
idence of God that brought Rev. Wm. Humbert, a local preacher, to 
Provincetown harbor, captain of a vessel, and kept him wind bound 
for several days. This man believed in occupying until the Master 

came, and he preached every even- 
ing while thus detained. 

Very soon after Mr. Humbert’s 
visit, Rev. George Cannon was 
stationed at Provincetown. He 
was followed by Rev. Joseph 
Snelling and Rev. Robert Yalla- 
lee. The latter was the first min- 
ister of the Methodist-Episcopal 
Church to hold meetings in Well- 
fleet. He came in 1797 in much 
the same way as Paul went into 
Macedonia, by invitation and the 
prompting of the Holy Spirit. 

He was followed in occasional 
visits by Revs. Jacob Rickhow, 
Smith Weeks, John Broadhead, 
Joseph Snelling, Edward Whittle, 
Allen H. Cobb, Philip Muriger 
and Elijah Willard, all of whom 
the wellfleet church. were devout, self-sacrificing men 

of God. 

The first class was organized in 1802, and consisted of three 
members — Abigail Gross, Thankful Atwood and Lurana Higgins — 
a trio of faithful women. Like Lydia, “the seller of purple,” their 
“hearts were opened by the 
Lord that they attended unto 
the things which were 
spoken.” The church owes 
much to the fervent prayers 
and Christian zeal of these 
women, one of whom lived 
to see the class grow into 
a membership of over three 
hundred. 

Besides their fervent piety, 
a prominent characteristic 

of the believers in this the wellfleet parsonage. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


239 


early period was that when a gospel minister came along, they 
heard the word to be doers also, and the Lord was with 
them and their prayers and labors were not in vain. In 1804 they 
had a revival that brought quite a number into their fellowship. In 
1806 they had a gracious season of refreshing and ingathering. In 
the earliest records we read, “From this revival a gradual increase of 
religious influence followed.” 

In fourteen other instances the church has enjoyed special sea- 
sons of revival interest, when the converts have been numbered by 
the scores and frequently by the hundreds. 

The most notable one was in 1841, when 130 were born into the 
kingdom in one week. During the revival at least 175 professed con- 



REV. F. L. BROOKS. MRS. F. L. BROOKS. 


version and gave some satisfactory evidence, many of whom have 
been bright and growing Christians ever since. 

Until 1817 the society had no church building. Their place of 
worship was in private dwellings. Their sacrament altar had been 
rough planks placed across chairs; yet the gospel was as sweet and 
powerful and the commemoration of the suffering and death of our 
Lord was as precious as in costly edifices. 

The first building dedicated, November, 1817, was modest in the 
extreme, being 30x40 feet, with bare floors and uncushioned seats. 
The society increased so that in 1829 this building was enlarged, with 
side galleries and one opposite the pulpit for the choir. Again, in 
1842, the house was too small, and many thought that a more con- 
venient and pleasant location could be found, and the present site 
was purchased. In 1843 the work of pulling down and removing be- 
gan. The new building was 5 7x67 feet, containing 118 pews, with 


240 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 



galleries as before. The basement was of brick, with two vestries,, 
one seating 300 and the other 100. 

In 1863 the house was again remodeled at an expense of $14,500, 
making one of the largest and most convenient churches on the Cape 
at the time. On the evening of February 28, 1891, during a tempest, 
the old church was set on fire by lightning and entirely consumed. 
With only $3,000 insurance money the society heroically undertook 
the building of the present church edifice, which was completed and 
dedicated January 26, 1892, at a cost of $8,800, with all bills paid. 

The Sunday School was organized in 1827 and divided into three 
sections, one meeting at the church, one at the house of Joshua 
Hamblen on the “Neck,” and one at the “Island Schoolhouse.” In 


PHILIP HIGGINS, S. NELLIE HIGGINS, 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

these three sections the membership numbered about twenty. It 
soon increased so that in the following year they reported ninety. 
The school has kept pace with the prosperity, growth and decline of 
tfie church and now has enrolled a membership of 13 1. 

The first camp-meeting on the Cape was held at South Wellfleet 
in August, 1819. The power of God was wonderfully displayed 
among the people. Persons from this meeting went to their homes 
in adjoining towns to be witnesses of Christ’s power to save. This 
was especially true in Eastham, where up to this time no Methodist 
preacher had been allowed to work. The interest manifested so in- 
creased that Eastham was made an appointment on Wellfleet Circuit 
the following year. 

In 1807 Wellfleet was made an appointment on Harwich Circuit, 
with Joseph Steele preacher in charge. In 1828 Wellfleet became a 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


241 

station by itself, and so continued up to the present Conference year. 
The Providence Annual Conference held its session in March, i868„ 
with this church. It was largely attended and cordially entertained. 
We have record of at least five ministers’ wives being taken from this, 
fold. Two members of this church, Rev. and Mrs. N. S. Hopkins,, 
have gone as missionaries to foreign lands and are now working in 
China. 

Rev. A. P. Palmer, writing in January, 1877, says: “It has been 
the work of this church to raise up men and women to serve other 
churches. In Philadelphia, especially in one church, Wellfleet has a 
very good representation. In the churches of Boston and New York 
and many other cities in all directions, Wellfleet’s sons and daughters 
are found.” An exodus of the people occurred as early as 1824. The 
church has been embarrassed all through its history because so many 
of its members have removed on account of the limited means of sup- 
port in Wellfleet. This has been especially true “since business went 
down.” It is pathetic indeed to hear the old members speak of the 
“good old days” gone by, when, as one said, “No place in the fishing 
community could boast of a superior fleet, numbering from 75 to 100 
sail of vessels. No fleet sailing from any port observed the Sabbath 
as the Wellfleet. They would lay, during the Lord’s day, under fore- 
sail, and on this account were often referred to as Bible faces.” Only 
one lone vessel now reminds the people of what once was their joy 
and support. 

The Epworth League was organized April 4, 1890. There ex- 
isted previously to this date a society known as the Young Folks’ 
Literary Society, organized by Rev. Charles S. Davis in September, 
1888. The League has a present membership of 71 and is doing, as 
in the past, efficient work. 


PASTORS. 


1807. 

Joel Steele 

1808. 

Erastus Otis 

1809-11. 

Joseph A. Merrill 

1812. 

Robert Arnold 

1813. 

Elias Marble 

1814. 

Bartholomew Otheman 

1815. 

Thomas C. Peirce 

1816. 

Orin Roberts 

1817. 

Benjamin Keith 

1818-19. 

Ephraim Wiley 

1 820-21. 

Edward Hyde 

1822-2 7 .. 

Leonard Bennett 

1824. 

S. G. Atkins 

1825-26. 

Lewis Bates 


1827-28. Joel Steele 
1829-30. B. F. Lambord 

1831. N. S. Spaulding 

1832. S. B. Hascall 

1833. Hector Brownson 
1834-35. Warren Emerson 
1836. B. F. Lambord 

1 837-38. Heman Perry 
1839. I. M. Bidwell 
1840-41. Paul Townsend 
1842-43. Jonathan Cady 
1844-45* G. W. Stearns 
1846-47. John Lovejoy 
1848. Cyrus C. Munger 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


242 


1 849-50. Samuel Fox 
1851-52. John Howson 
1853. J. E. Gifford 
1854-55. Erastus Benton 
1856-57. E. K. Colby 
1858-59. E. H. Hatfield 
1860-61. James Mather 
1862. John Howson 
1863-64. A. N. Bodfish 
1865-66. William V. Morrison 
1867-68. Charles Nason 
1869. Walter Ela 
1870-72. A. J. Church 


1873-74. C. S. Macreading 
1875-77. A. P. Palmer 
1878-80. Edward Edson 
1881-82. S. M. Beale 
1883. Samuel McBurney 
1884-85. George A. Morse 
1886-87. Angelo Canoll 
1888-90. Charles S. Davis 
1891-92. William S. Fitch 
1 893-94. Edwin D. Hall 
1 895-96. George W. Elmer 
189 7 — Frank L. Brooks 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Thomas A. Higgins, Alfred Smith, Philip Higgins, 
L. Dow Baker, James L. Gordon, L. A. Newcombe, Darius A. New- 
combe, James M. Mott, F. H. Pervere. 

Stezvards — Thomas H. Lewis, Philip Higgins, George W. Hard- 
ing, John A. Swett, Henry Baker, Thomas A. Higgins, Austin E. 
Dyer, James L. Gordon, L. A. Newcombe, Uriah Rich, Levi L. Hig- 
gins, L. Dow Baker. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Philip Higgins; Assistant Sup- 
erintendent, James L. Gordon; Secretary and Treasurer, Alvin L. 
Wiley; Librarian, Albert Davis; Assistant Librarian, Georgiana Davis. 

Committee — Mrs. William Smith, Mrs. William H. Young, Mrs. 
A. A. Knowles, Mrs. George W. Williams, Thomas A. Higgins, Levi L. 
Higgins. 

Teachers — James L. Gordon, Sarah Collins, Ellen Baker, S. Nellie 
Higgins, Lizzie Higgins, Hannah Newcombe, Lillian Brooks, Martha 
Pervere, Jane Stauning, Sarah Hopkins, Edith Cobb, Mary Douglass, 
F. L. Brooks. 

Epworth League — President, S. Nellie Higgins; First Vice-Presi- 
dent, Edith Cobb; Second Vice-President, Eva Baker; Third Vice- 
President, Mary L. Douglass; Fourth Vice-President, Emma F. Par- 
sons; Secretary, Nellie Pierce; Treasurer, John Swett; Superintendent 
of Junior League, Edith Cobb. 


M. E. CHURCH, WEST DENNIS, MASS. 

* * * 


Methodist preaching was first heard in this place in 1833. The 
heralds of free salvation. Rev. Messrs. Sanderson and Britt, known as 
sons of thunder, from Bridgewater to Provincetown, began Methodist 
preaching here in a schoolhouse, where C. N. Hinckley, now a mem- 
ber of the N. E. S. Confer- 
ence, taught school. The estab- 
lished Church (Presbyterian) was 
so bitter towards the ranting, 
shouting Methodists that some 
locked their wives out of doors 
when they attended the meetings. 
Conversions were numerous, a 
class was formed, a parish society 
organized, and in 1835 a church 
costing $2,000 was built. Captain 
Elisha Crowell gave the lot, which 
was staked out by himself v and his 
wife, Roxanna. Rev. William Bai- 
ley preached the dedicatory ser- 
mon. Rev. Benjamin Swift was 
pastor, Browning K. Baker, class 
leader and chorister. The ex- 
penses of preaching were met by 
the annual sale of pews, a custom 
continuing to the present. 

In 1873, during the pastorate of Rev. Edward Edson, the church 
was changed from Protestant-Methodist to Methodist-Episcopal, and 
the fine parsonage was built 
during the pastorate of A. E. 

Hall. Most of the pastors did 
faithful work and saw souls 
saved. The church has ex- 
perienced many trials and 
seen great changes. The 
house has been three times 



THE WEST DENNIS CHURCH. 


enlarged, and both church 
and parsonage are among the 
best in New Bedford District. 
The salary has varied from 
$300 to $1,200, according to 


THE WEST DENNIS PARSONAGE. 



244 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


the business of the place. The names Baker, Crowell, Boring, 
Childs, Thatcher, and Chase suggest monuments in history 
and pillars in the church. These names stand for the men and 
women who were always ready to give money for church building and 


REV. J. T. DOCKING. 


MRS. J. T. DOCKING. 





ifor sustaining the minister, attending all the means of grace and pray- 
ing for the success of Zion. The memory of their good deeds still 
lingers, although most of the fathers have been gathered home. 

During the present year great and 
important improvements have? been 
made in the church property. A very 
convenient new chapel has been 
built, with an opening from the main 
audience room, having also a ladies' 
parlor. The audience room itself 
has been wholly refurnished with 
new carpet, new stained glass win- 
dows and beautiful new antique oak 
circular pews. These improvements 
have cost about $2,500, and all 
has been paid. While these pages 
are passing through the press a 
gracious series of revival services are 
being held in the church, from which 
glorious results are anticipated. 


s. COVIL, 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


PASTORS. 


1878. R. W. C. Farnsworth 
1879-80. Sam’l M. Beale 


1873-75. Edward Edson 
1875-78. Almon E. Hall 


SOUVENIR 


HISTORY. 


245 


1881-82. Asa N. Bodfish 
3883. Merrick Ransom 
1884-86. George A. Grant 
1887-88. Charles S. Morse 
3889-90. W. H. McAllister 


1891. D. N. Stafford 
1892-93. R. M. Wilkins 
1894-96. J. G. Gammons 
1897 J. T. Docking 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — E. E. Crowell, Sears Crowell, S. C. Studley, Andrew 
Baker, Alexander Baker, P. H. Crowell, Horatio B. Baker, O. K. 
Baker. 

Stewards — S. Covil (R. S.), E. E. Crowell, H. P. Crowell (D. S.), 
S. C. Studley, A. Baker, O. K. Baker, Willard Crowell, R. D. Kelley, 
Mrs. M. K. Kenyon, Mrs. Olive Baxter. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, S. Covil; Librarian, William Lor- 
rng; Secretary, May Darling; Treasurer, Hattie Baxter; Organist, 
Lizzie Kelley; Chorister, R. Ina Crowell. Teachers, E. E. Crowell, 
Lillian Kelley, Mary Covil, J. T. Docking, Hattie Baxter, Sophia 
Crowell, Olive Baxter, Ida Pickering, Mercy Kenyon, Roderick Kel- 
ley, R. Ina Crowell, Addie Garfield. 

Christian Endeavor — President, R. Ina Crowell; Vice-President, 
Addie Garfield; Treasurer, Hattie Baxter; Secretary, Ida Love; 
Corresponding Secretary, Sadie Baxter. 


M. E. CHURCH, WEST FALMOUTH, MASS. 

In the year 1850 one of the Falmouth ministers came to the vil- 
lage and held a meeting, the result of which was a number of con- 



WEST FALMOUTH CHURCH. 

versions, among which were Captain J. H. Bowman and wife and 
Mrs. E. S. Wicks and J. M. Lumbert. This revival was carried on 



SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


246 

by others, persons coming from different parts of the town. Marshal 
Grew was one of these earnest workers. 

A class was formed with E. Packard as leader. Some of the 
young converts were forbidden to attend this class, but the difficulties 

they encountered made them all the 
stronger. 

Rev. William H. Stetson preached 
here in the old schoolhouse in 1852. 
In 1854-56 Josiah C. Allen was ap- 
pointed here and at Bast Falmouth. It 
was not until 1857 that an organization 
was perfected. In that year a building 
committee was chosen composed of 
Asa S. Tobey,Braddock Baker, Gideon 
H. Baker, Reuben Landers and Silas J. 
Eldred. They employed Alvin Crow- 
ell to erect a church. The first mem- 
bers, who were dismissed from the Fal- 
mouth church, numbered twenty-two. 

The church was completed and 
dedicated in 1857, the first pastor 
in the new church being Charles A. Carter, who remained two years, 
1858-59, returning again in 1863 and remaining until 1865. 

Under the pastorate of Rev. Moses Brown a gracious revival 



REV. H. G. CURLESS. 


J. H. BOWMAN, AMASA BAXTER, 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

came to the place. His name is often mentioned by the older mem- 
bers. The church, though not strong, has more than double the 





SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


247 


number of members it had at its organization. The young people are 
among its most efficient workers. The membership numbers forty- 
six and two probationers. 


1858-60. 

Charles A. Carter 

PASTORS. 

1887. 

A. C. Bell 

1860-62. 

Edmund Colby 

1887. 

Benjamin C. Gillis 

1863-64. 

Charles A. Carter 

1887. 

Thomas Whiteside 

1865-67. 

Richard Dorr 

1888. 

George M. Meese 

1867-69. 

A. S. Edgerly 

1889. 

T. L. Rounds 

1870-71. 

Moses Brown 

1890. 

L. H. Massey 

1872-74. 

S. Hamilton Day 

1891. 

J. E. Meade 

1879-80. 

J. S. Davis 

1892. 

E. C. Dixon 

1881-82. 

E. H. Hatfield 

1893. 

T. B. White 

1883-84. 

J. O. Denning 

1894— 

H. G. Curless 

1885-86. 

W. H. Summers 



PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — J. H. Bowman, A. J. Hamblin, J. W. Avery, R. E. 
Bowman, C. O. Hamblin, H. M. Bowman, Arnasa Baxter, S. F. 
Swift, Fred N. Bowman. 

Stewards — J. H. Bowman, E. S. Wicks, A. J. Hamblin, R. L. 
Bowman, John West, E. A. Hamblin, Alice B. Landers, H. E. Gif- 
ford, E. H. Bowman, J. E. Bowman, Annie Bowman, Emily Hamblin. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Joseph H. Bowman; Assistant 
Superintendent, Hannah E. Gifford; Secretary and Treasurer, Amasa 
Baxter; Librarian, Roswell Gifford. 

Epworth League — President, Amasa Baxter; Vice-Presidents De- 
partment of Spiritual Work, Miss Alice B. Landers; Mercy and Help, 
Mrs. Christina H. Crowell; Literary Department, Roswell T. Gifford; 
Social Work, Mrs. Mary Bowman. 


M. E. CHURCH, WESTPORT POINT, MASS. 

* * * 

As early as 1818 Rev. Nathan Paine came into this village and 
preached in private houses and school-houses. His visits were fort- 
nightly. A few were converted, and formed a class, the first three 
members of which were Rachel Macomber, Mary Underwood, and 
Betsey Cornell whom Paine baptized. The latter was succeeded by 
Rev. Calvin Brewer, who in turn was followed by Revs. J. W. Chase 
and D. Dorcester. The present church society was formed in 1830 
with the following members: Abner Davis, Israel Macomber, Simeon 
Macomber, Edward Hazard, Otis Macomber, Thomas Durfee, Rachel 
Macomber, Betsey Cornell, Mary Underwood, Dorothy Manchester 
and Diana Manchester. The first trustees were: Abner Davis, Israel 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


248 

Macomber, and Edward Hazard, and the deed of the lot on which the 
first meeting-house was built was given in their name. The meeting- 
house was built by Jo'Seph Cornell, was “raised” July 27, 1832, in the 
afternoon, and finished the following fall. It’s cost was about $800. 
It was situated about a mile north of the present location of "’the 
church on the opposite side of the road near a huge rock. The land 
tvas purchased of Captain Barney Hicks for twenty-four dollars. After 
the house was built the pews were sold to aid in defraying the expenses 
over and above the subscriptions. A small debt remained. By the 
tenor of the deed the church must have been purely Methodistic, for 
it admits those only to preach from its pulpit who have been regularly 
authorized to preach in our churches, and the deed most emphatically 
asserts that the chapel was erected for the benefit of those who desire 
to attend the ministry of the M. E. Church. About the fall of 1842 
the house was moved southward, and placed on the corner of the pres- 
ent village cemetery. It was enlarged and new pews put in, which 
were sold to defray expenses. Thomas Durfee took an active part 
in the enterprise, as well as the pastor then stationed here, Rev. W. 
Simmons. Up to 1846, or thereabouts, the charge was connected 
with that at Little Compton, R. I., about ten miles west. Though the 
two formed a circuit, the records show they were separate so far as 
their individual interests were concerned. 

The present writer is indebted to Rev. J. G. Gammons for most 
of the above painstaking record. During the succeeding pastorate 
of Rev. O. A. Farley the subject of a new church began to be agitated 
during the summer of 1882. A subscription book was opened and 
met with unexpected success. A building committee was organized, 
consisting of O. A. Farley, Andrew Hicks, Horatio> Brownell, Simeon 
Macomber, C. T. Allen. The site chosen was on the opposite corner 
of the cross-road from where the old church stood, but on the 
same side of Main Street. This gave a fine, large lot, ample for a 
commodious and beautiful church, with warm, comfortable barn in 
rear. Ground was broken on May 1, 1883, and the work progressed 
rapidly through the summer under the efficient lead of Contractor 
Thomas B. Earle, of this place, aided by the wise counsel of the com- 
mittee. Andrew Hicks generously aided in defraying the expenses to 
the amount of nearly one-fourth the cost. This was a little over 
$5,300, and on April 2, 1884, the church was dedicated, debt free, Rev. 
C. B. Pitblado preaching the sermon. 

During the pastorate of Rev. John Livesey several beautiful 
stained-glass windows with others of ground glass were placed in the 
church at an expense of about four hundred dollars. Several valuable 
improvements were also made during Rev. B. F. Raynor’s pastorate. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


249 


Thus, under the indefatigable labors of Rev. O. A. Farley and 
others, the Society possesses the finest public building in the township. 
It is comfortably seated with 150 opera chairs and when the vestry 
opposite the pulpit is thrown into the main room, the church can 
easily accommodate three hundred people. The site of the old church, 
after the latter was disposed of, was thrown into the cemetery, and 
burial lots sold. Recently a new wall has been built along its north 
side, and the old one repaired, and the cemetery cleared up at an ex- 
pense of $265. 

The whole village is interested in the support of its church, and 
during the season an excellent class of summer visitors give material 
aid. Among these may be mentioned the Rev. Chas. Cuthbert Hall, 

D. D., who for the past twenty years 
has been pastor of the First Presbyte- 
rian Church of Brooklyn, and who has 
recently been elected president of 
Union Theological Seminary, New 
.York. Dr. Hall has a summer resi- 
dence on Elbridge Heights, and with 
his family is a faithful attendant at pub- 
lic worship, usually preaching several 
times during the summer to the great 
delight of large audiences. Until re- 
cently the church has been without a 
parsonage. In November, 1896, Mr. 
Simeon Macomber, who will be recalled 
as one of the original members, died at 
the ripe age of 84, and left his commodi- 
rev. john Thompson. 0 us residence for parsonage purposes. 

PASTORS. 



1832-34. D. Banister 1844-45. 

1835. H. Holaway and D. H. 1846. 

Smith 1847. 

1836-37. G. Winchester and P. 1848. 

Crandon 1849. 

1838. B. Sherman and B. 1850-51. 

Cady 1852-53. 

1839. No Stationed Preacher 1854. 
1840-41. George Winchester, B. 1855. 

Brown and C. Will- 1856-57. 
iams ^ !858-59. 

1842. L. Harlow and W. Sum- i860. 

mers and J. W. 1861-63. 
Casey 1864-66. 

1843. N. Tainter 1867-68. 


A. H. Newton 
Flihu Grant 
E. A. Standish 
Edward B. Hinckley 
L. Cady 

Charles Hazard 
George Burnham 
Asa N. Bodfish 
George H. Cooley 

B. L. Sayer 

S. S. Cummings 

C. C. Adams 

C. H. Skidmore 
P. Crandon 
R. F. Macy 



250 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


1875-77. Solomon P. Snow 
1878. Charles Stokes 
1879-81. J. G. Gammons 


1869-71. E. G. Babcock 

1872-73. Nelson Chase 

1874. E. C. Ferguson and S. 


Hamilton Day 


1882-83. O. A. Farley 
1884-86. W. E. Kugler 
1887-89. M. Ransom 
1890. John Livesey 
1891-94. B. F. Raynor 


1 895-96. W. D. Woodward 
1897 John Thompson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — Edward M. Boyce, Cornelius T. Allen, John A. Davis, 
Charles P. Sowle, Jehiel Baker. 

Stewards — C. T. Allen, J. Baker, E. M. Boyce, Isaac H. Lake, 
Hannah Boyce, Rebecca Howland, Emma B. Cory, Julia A. Davis, 
Clara Macomber, Mary Frances Sowle. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, Jehiel Baker; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Clara Macomber; Librarians, Stacy J. Boyce, E. M. Boyce, 
Jr.; Teachers, Bible Class, Pastor; Infant Class, Mrs. E. M. Boyce; 
Rebecca Howland, Clara Macomber, M. Frances Sowle. 

Organist — Addle E. Sowle. 

Epworth League — President, Pastor; First Vice-President, J. Baker; 
Second Vice-President, Rebecca Howland; Third Vice-President, 
Clara Macomber; Fourth Vice-President, Laura Brightman; Secretary 
and Treasurer, Addie E. Sowle. 


M. E. CHURCH, WHITMAN, MASS. 
From Church Records. 


Some time previous to January, 1874, a movement was made by a 
few Methodists and other friends of the cause of Christ to establish 
a Methodist preaching service in Union Hall, South Abington, Mass., 



WHITMAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


251 


and a committee was appointed to secure subscriptions for that 
purpose. 

On Wednesday evening, December 31, 1873, a prayer-meeting 
was held in the office of H. H. Brigham, who opened the meeting 
by reading the Scriptures and offering prayer. 

A brother present on that occasion (Ambrose Bosworth), prayed 
that “this might be the beginning of better things in our midst,” and 
“that God would do better for them than they had faith to ask for.” 
That prayer has been answered. 

A sufficient amount was raised to support preaching and H. H. 
Brigham, although not a Methodist, agreed to furnish hall, heat and 



REV. O. E. JOHNSON. 


MRS. O. E. JOHNSON. 


light for one year, and continued to give liberally in support of the 
enterprise until his death in June, 1879. 

The first preaching service was held January 4, 1874, and was 
conducted by Rev. G. H. Gregory, of the School of Theology, Boston 
University. 

Arrangements were afterward made with Rev. G. H. Baker of 
the same school to supply the pulpit until the annual meeting of the 
Providence Conference. 

At this session of Conference, with Bishop Peck as Presiding 
Bishop, March 30, 1874, Rev. E. L. Hyde was appointed preacher-in- 
charge of South Abington station. 

The first quarterly Conference was held May 8, 1874, with Rev. 
W. V. Morrison, Presiding Elder, in the chair. 

A large Sunday School was now in a flourishing condition, and 
everything indicated a bright future for this young society. 


252 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


Ground was broken for the chapel building on land given by 
Dunbar, Hobart and Whidden, Thursday,, July 28, 1876. 

Building operations immediately began, and the chapel was com- 
pleted and dedicated, February 24, 1877, the dedicatory services being 
conducted by Rev. W. V. Morrison, Presiding Elder. 

Bishop Randolph S. Foster preached in the morning a powerful 
sermon from Romans i, 20: “His eternal power and Godhead.” Rev. 
Lewis B. Bates preached in the afternoon, and a service of prayer 
and praise was held in the evening. 

During the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Starr a great work of grace 
began and scores of new-born souls found “peace in believing and joy 



H. H. TRIPP. 

Sunday School Superintendent. 


BENJAMIN HODGSON. 
Ep worth League President. 


in the Holy Ghost.” A parsonage lot was at this time purchased, and 
in September, 1885, a nice comfortable house was completed, and Rev. 
Silas Sprowls, the pastor, was the first to occupy it. 

Under the supervision of Rev. O. A. Farley, 1892-94, extensive 
alterations were made on the church, and there is now a commodious 
church building, in which from Sabbath to Sabbath gathers a congre- 
gation of happy people. 

An extensive revival interest was manifest in the early part of 
1896, which resulted in many additions to the church which meant 
much to its future. The present membership is 146. 

Situated as it is in a community that is growing and in which 
it is the only place of worship, it will in the future as in the past 
prove a power in extending the kingdom of God upon earth. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


253 


1874-76. 

1877-79. 

1880- 8I. 

1881- 82. 

1882- 84. 
1885-86. 


PASTORS. 

Edward L. Hyde 1886. 

William H. Starr 1886-88. 

James G. Switzer 1889-91. 

George A. Reader, Jr. 1892-94. 
S. Hamilton Day 1895 — 

Silas Sprowls 


Webster Millar 
James I. Bartholomew 
Louis M. Flocken 
Orville A. Farley 
Oscar E. Johnson 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 


Trustees — I. F. Bosworth, J. D. Benson, E. M. Valentine, Lucius 
Cook, Edwin Bryant, J. E. Jennie, Ambrose Bosworth, J. G. Higgins, 

I. F. Thayer. 

Stewards — Paul Black (D. S.), George W. Bloomstrand (R. S.), 
Daniel Brown, H. N. Winslow, S. M. Ryder, William F. Stacy, W. R. 
Hammett, Herbert Tripp, Henry Bryant, Benjamin Hodgson, Harry 
Bosworth, Arthur K. Stevens. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, H. H. Tripp; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, W. R. Hammett; Secretary, A. K. Stevens; Treasurer, 
Mrs. Rosie L. Stevens; Librarian, S. M. Ryder. 

Teachers — Mrs. Lillian Skaling, Mrs. Lura Blanchard, Mrs. Mary 
Crowell, Edwin Bryant, Miss Effie Ryder, Miss Miae Crowell, Miss 
Annie Brown, Miss Myra Keene, Horatio Winslow, Mrs. W. R. 
Hammett, Mrs. J. E. Tibbetts, Miss C. M. Pratt, Mrs. Edwin Bryant, 

J. E. Tibbetts, Mrs. Clara Harwood. 

Epworth League — President, Benjamin Hodgson; First Vice- 
President, Miss Myra Keene; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Flora Tur- 

ple; Third Vice-President, ; Fourth Vice-President, Mrs. Ella 

Bryant; Secretary, Miss Effie Ryder; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. 
W. R. Hammett; Treasurer, Harry Bosworth. 



DECEASED MEMBERS OF OUR CONFERENCE. 
A. W. Seavev. C. M. Ai.vord. 

i 874-’86 i 858-’ 73 

The dates indicate the years spent in the ministry. 


T. B. Gurney. 
1 847**84 


S. Leader. 
1844**83 


M. E. CHURCH, WOODS HOLL, MASS. 

Methodism early came to Woods Holl. About eighty years ago 
Father Otis came this way as a herald of the gospel. Subsequently 
Methodist preachers came from Falmouth and held occasional ser- 
vices in the village schoolhouse. These services were well attended, 



WOODS HOLL CHURCH. 


but no organization was effected, and those who were converted joined 
the society at Falmouth. 

The social meetings and the Sunday School were held in private 
houses. The home of Marshal Grew was made to resound with the 
voice of prayer and praise for twenty years. Mr. Grew was a pioneer 
Methodist, who knew in whom he believed, and the fulness of his joy 
and confidence in Christ often found expression in a hearty shout. 
His home was one of the familiar stopping places for the early preach- 
ers, who found there a Christian welcome and hospitable reception. 
Mrs. E. E. Swift, the daughter of Mr. Grew, and the oldest living 
member, often received the Sunday School into her own house. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


255 


The class meeting was held at the home of Sanford Herendeen, 
an old patriarch of the church, who passed over to his reward about 
two years ago. He is said to have been a man powerful in the Scrip- 
tures and abundant in labors. Often, after a hard day’s work, he and 

Father Grew would walk several 
miles and hold a religious service, 
expounding the Scriptures and ex- 
horting the people. From about 1840 
to 1870 he carried on his tireless ser- 
vice for the Master in his own house. 
At the last his mind became deranged 
as to common things, but he seemed to 
retain all his old religious power and 
a mind remarkably clear and discern- 
ing in the truths of the Bible. 

In 1879 the present church building 
was erected, being dedicated by 
Rev. Mr. Phillips of New Bedford, 
in September of the same year. 
The lot was presented by Mrs. 
Grew and family. The building cost 
about $2,500 as it then stood. In 1890, about $600 was expended in 
improvements and furnishings, making the present value of building 
and grounds about $3,300. A vestry below the auditorium was rented 



REV. o. L. UTTER. 



T. T. HOWES, C. F. HAMMOND. 

Sunday School Superintendent. Epworth League President. 

as a store room for a few years, which assisted greatly in cancelling 
the debt on the building. It is now used for the Epworth League and 
social meetings. 


256 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


During the first few years there was no church organization, and 
different ministers occupied its pulpit. On the evening of July 24, 
1884, Rev. W. V. Morrison preached and organized the Methodist- 
Episcopal Church. The record says that nine persons were recog- 


WM. F. DONALDSON, Layman. SANFORD HERENDEEN.I Layman. 

nized as members, having been connected with other Methodist 
churches. Three were received into full membership and nine were 
received on probation, among them the present class leader. Of 
these early members, eight still remain in the church, some have 
moved away and some have joined the church triumphant. 

Rev. R. H. Dorr was appointed pastor and Vinal N. Edwards the 
first class leader. During the pastorate of Rev. R. C. Westenberg 
(1894-95) a blessed revival occurred, through which many were 
brought into the church. Among the number was the present Ep- 
worth League president. 

A few years ago the population of the town was decreased by the 
failure of an important business enterprise, and with it the member- 
ship of the church, which now numbers thirty. The church was 
probably never more harmonious than at the present. All depart- 
ments of work are carried on and all is free from debt. 


1891-93. J. D. King 
1 893 _ 94 - E. W. Eldridge 

1894- 95. R. C. Westenberg 

1 895 - 97 - Fay Donaldson 
1897— O. L. Utter 


1884- 85. 

1885- 87. 

1887- 88. 
1888. 

1888- 89. 

1889- 91. 


Richard H. Dorr 
J. B. Smith 

L. M. Flocken 
Henry Pearce 
C. E. Todd 

M. B. Wilson 




SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


257 


PRESENT OFFICIARY. 

Trustees — Henry M. Grew, William F. Donaldson, George E. 
David, H. C. Googins, C. F. Hammond, T. E. Howes, George C. 
Look. 

Stewards — Henry M. Grew, Elizabeth McLeish, Mrs. Ella F. 
Robinson, Mrs. E. E. Swift, George C. Look, Mrs. T. E. Howes, Mrs. 
H. C. Googins, Mrs. James H. Davis, William F. Donaldson, George 
E. David, H. C. Googins, C. F. Hammond, T. E. Howes. 

Sunday School — Superintendent, T. T. Howes; Assistant Superin- 
tendent, Mrs. Clarence Gifford; Secretary and Treasurer, H. C. 
Googins; Librarian, Mertie Crowell; Assistant Librarian, Waldo* Gif- 
ford; Organist, Mrs. T. E. Howes; Assistant Organist, Miss Grace 
Eldridge. Teachers, Mrs. Ella Robinson, Miss Minnie Nickerson, 
Mrs. G. C. Look and Pastor. 

Epworth League — The League was organized November 8, 1891. 
The devotional meetings are held at 6.30 Sunday evenings. It is in- 
tended to hold a business meeting and a social each month. The 
present membership is twenty-seven, and the following are the officers : 
President, Charles F. Hammond; First Vice-President, Mrs. Ella 
Robinson; Second Vice-President, Mrs. T. E. Howes; Third Vice- 
President, Mrs. C. F. Hammond; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. G. C. 
Look. 


THE WOMAN’S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

By Mrs. Rev. J. H. James. 

The growth of this Society has been phenomenal. Its inception 
was due to the conviction of its founders that God called them to such 
service and it quickly spread through the churches. This history 
would not be complete without a recognition of the relation of the 
Conference to this great work. 

Very soon after its organization, in 1870, the first auxiliary within 
our bounds was formed at Brockton, Mass., after an address by Mrs. 
Rev. E. W. Parker, of India. Mrs. J. H. James was chosen President. 
During the following months local organizations sprang up on all 
the Districts. Mrs. Rev. James Mather, Mrs. Rev. W. V. Morrison, 
and others rendered valuable aid in this pioneer work. Mrs. Rev. 
S. L. Gracey was the first Conference Secretary and gave the work 
a new impulse. Her successor was Mrs. George F. Martin, of Prov- 
idence, whose faithful labors during several years resulted in a large 
increase of membership and contributions. 

In March, 1881, Mrs. Rev. J.H. James was appointed secretary for 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


258 

the New England Southern Conference, which position she still holds. 
During her first year ten new Auxiliaries were formed and 506 mem- 
bers were added. Year by year the work has steadily advanced. 
Since 1881 more than $55,000 have been raised within our Conference 
bounds for this object, $2,000 of this came at different times from one 
“Friend of Missions” whose name we are not permitted to give. A 
few bequests and special gifts, ranging from $25 to $1,000 each, have 
come into the treasury, but nearly all has come from annual sub- 
scriptions, the small contribution of self-sacrificing people, and the 



MRS. J. H. JAMES. MRS. JAMES TREGASKIS. 


pennies in the children’s mite boxes. There are now nearly 100 local 
organizations with about 2,000 members. 

The work among children and young people is of great value. 
In the “Young Women’s Societies,” Children’s “Mission Bands,” and 
“Little Light Bearer’s Circles” the workers of the future are being 
trained. 

The reflex influence of work in behalf of missions has been illus- 
trated in our Conference. Not only has it awakened zeal and helped 
to prepare women for better service on all lines, but we have been 
represented in mission fields by three ladies, two of the same family. 
Mrs. Mary F. Scranton, reared on our territory, the daughter of Rev. 
Erastus Benton, was the first of our missionaries in Korea, where she 
has labored assiduously and successfully for many years. Miss Emma 
J. Benton, daughter of Rev. J. T. Benton, devoted herself to the 
mission in Japan until under arduous labors in an unfavorable climate 
her health failed. She is now the wife of Rev. G. W. Elmer of this 
Conference. Miss Mary E. Bowen went in 1888 from Warren, R. I., 
to South America, where she is making a good record, especially as an 
instructor in our schools. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


259 


Miss Josephine Carr, of Warren, R. L, made a tour of our sta- 
tions in India, China, Korea, and Japan, remaining some months to 
render, without compensation, much needed aid in the last mission. 
She has since been Home Secretary of the Branch, has imparted 
valuable information, and her addresses and her letters have cheered, 
encouraged, and guided many a worker. 

A corps of District Secretaries hard to be excelled have faithfully 
attended to the home work through all these years. 

The literature of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society is 
specially commended. Mrs. Rev. O. W. Scott of Campello (Brock- 
ton), Mass., is a member of the “Literature Committee,” and has con- 
tributed highly-prized leaves and tracts. She is also the gifted editor 
of that bright and helpful monthly, “The Children’s Missionary 
Friend,” that is having a very large circulation throughout the Sunday 
Schools of Methodism. 

For more than twenty years Mrs. L. A. Alderman, widow of Rev. 
M. P. Alderman, has been Corresponding Secretary of the New Eng- 
land Branch, devoting her entire time and energies to this cause. A 
wise counsellor, able to look at a question from all sides, thoroughly 
consecrated to the Master, her influence in our missions as well as 
in the home land has been constant benediction. 

Such has been the part of the women of the New England South ern 
Conference in the work of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Yet not more than one-third of 
them have been enlisted. When will the others awake to their high 
privilege in helping to send the gospel to their sisters sitting in 
darkness ? 


REV. J. H. NUTTING AND HIS WORK. 

Rev. J. H. Nutting was born in Rhode Island, of the oldest New 
England stock, in the year 1841. At twelve years of age he began 
work as an operative in the Rhode Island Bleach Works, since which 
time he has been self-supporting. His preparatory education was se- 
cured with much difficulty and self-denial, without assistance from any 
educational society, in public and private schools, with private tutors, 
and at Eureka College, graduating with the degree of A. B. in the 
class of 1867. After a period of teaching he was received on trial 
in Providence Conference in 1870, in a class of fourteen; two years 
later he was ordained deacon by Bishop Ames, in a class of eighteen; 
and two years later he was ordained Elder by Bishop Peck in a class 
of eighteen. He has always been on the effective list, has never been 
sick, and has never even wished to be transferred to another Con- 
ference. 


26 o 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


He was first appointed to his present work, that of Religious 
Instructor at the State Institutions at Cranston, R. I., in 1889, being 
the first minister of the M. E. Church to hold this or any similar posi- 
tion in the state. These institutions are seven in number, viz., State 

Prison, House of Correction, Provi- 
dence County Jail, Insane Hospital, 
Alms House, Sockanosset School for 
Boys, and Oaklawn School for Girls, 
located at different points on a tract 
of some 700 acres, eight miles south 
of Providence, with six chapels and 
an aggregate population of 2,153, at 
the date of this writing. 

The Rhode Island system has many 
unique features, not the least of which 
is that all state, penal, correctional 
and charitable institutions are wholly 
beyond political control, officials of 
every grade being appointed for their 
supposed ability to do the work of their several positions, and no man 
being ever removed save for some cause affecting injuriously his 
efficiency. 

It may be said that the religious needs of these many unfortu- 
nate persons are not neglected, there being conducted among them, 
including Sunday-schools, from thirteen to fifteen services of worship 



KJ5V. J. H. NUTTING. 



SOCKANOSSET SCHOOL FOR BOYS. 

on each Lord’s day. The calls made upon Mr. Nutting on other 
days by those wishing personal attention are numerous, and of a 
character such as to tax mind, heart and strength to the utmost. 



SILAS S. CUMMINGS AND HIS WORK. 


Silas S. Cummings was bom May 22, 1814. He, with five 
other children, were left orphans at an early age. His early oppor- 
tunities for education were limited. He was converted in 1837 at 
some Methodist meeting in Saco, Me. He felt a call to preach and 

left a lucrative position in the mills to 
enter Kent’s Hill Seminary to prepare 
for the ministry. While in school he 
was sent to Montville, Me., where there 
had been no religious services for 
years. A church with forty members 
was the result of that year’s work. In 
1854 he was transferred to the New 
Hampshire Conference and stationed 
at Bristol. In 1857 he was transferred 
to the New England Southern Confer- 
ence and stationed at Portsmouth. In 
1863 he was appointed chaplain of the 
4th R. I. Reg’t. In 1868 during a 
very successful pastorate at Pascoag, 
he was invited to be Missionary Agent 
of the Little Wanderers’ Home, Boston. Since then he has served 
the Home with rare ability and usefulness. He has addressed nearly 
five thousand public meetings in its interest and raised tens of thou- 
sands of dollars for it. Countless thousands of happy hearts scattered 
all over the country look back in gratitude to him for his sympathy 
.and help in saving them when young from lives of sin and suffering. 



SILAS S. CUMMINGS. 


JOSEPH H. JAMES AND HIS WORK. 

Joseph Henry James, Secretary of the Connecticut Tem- 
perance Union, was born in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, April 18, 1835. 
His parents were Methodists. His mother, Mary D. James, was 
widely known as a writer for “The Guide to Holiness,” and the author 
of many hymns, some of which are still highly prized. He was led to 
Christ in early childhood, joined the church in youth, and began his 
pulpit labors while yet a student at Pennington Seminary. He en- 
tered Wesleyan University in the class of 1857, but failing eyes pre- 
vented his going farther thani the Sophomore class. His first charge 
was Westfield, N. J. He was admitted to the New Jersey Conference 



262 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


in 1856, receving his first appointment from Bishop Simpson on his 
twenty-first birthday. After seven years in New Jersey pastorates he 
was for one year Chaplain of the Third Regiment, New Jersey Volun- 
teer Infantry, laboring acceptably and usefully with the men at the 
front. At the expiration of his term of service in September, 1864, 
while visiting his parents, then in New England, he was invited to the 
pastorate of the First Church, Fall River, Mass. The next spring he 
was transferred to the Providence Conference. There is no one now 
a member of the Conference whose pastorate of his first four churches 
— Fall River, Warren, R. I., Brockton or Provincetown, Mass. — dates 

back of that of Mr. James. His efforts 
have always been to get and deliver 
messages from God and do faithful 
pastoral work rather than to elaborate 
discourses, and his chief usefulness has 
probably been in edifying Christians, 
though in every charge he witnessed 
conversions and additions to the 
church. Perhaps his most remarkable 
work was at Rockville, Conn., where 
a church debt of $26,000 was removed, 
but in each of his charges there are 
those who remember him and his ex- 
cellent wife with affectionate interest. 
The Connecticut Temperance Union 
was orgaized in 1865, with Wil- 
liam A. Buckingham, the noted 
‘‘War Governor,” as its first president. It is a non-partisan, interde- 
nominational organization, seeking to “promote total abstinence from 
all alcoholic drinks and the overthrow of the traffic in them.” At the 
close of his pastorate in Plymouth, in 1890, Mr. James was invited to 
the secretaryship of the society. He has ever since devoted himself 
to the work of this society. In addition to public work he has kept 
up a large official correspondence and edited the various publications 
of the society. For four years these have included a monthly paper, 
“The Connecticut Citizen.” In these arduous labors his health has 
been wonderfully preserved. He now resides in Rockville, Conn. 



JOSEPH HENRY JAMBS. 



Euc 1 



> 


SUPERANNUATES AND SUPERNUMERARIES. 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 


(There were a few whose biographies we failed to get.) 

GEORGE W. ANDERSON was born Jan. 19, 1846. Was converted at the age 
of sixteen and licensed and began to preach as a local preacher when eighteen 
years of age. He took the full course at Boston University, School of Theology, 
graduating with the class of ’67. In 1867, at the age of twenty-one, he joined the 
New York East Conf., and in 1872 joined Providence (New Eng. South) Conf., hav- 
ing, among other appointments New London, Providence Trinity, and Pawtucket, 
First Church. One of many revivals, occurred at New London, when some two 
hundred and fifty persons, professed conversion. While he was stationed at Paw- 
tucket a long-standing debt of $6,000 was cancelled. On two different charges 
movements were begun, which resulted in the purchasing of parsonages. He was 
superannuated in 1866, and resides in Providence, R. I. 

CARLOS BANNING was born in Lyme, Ct., Nov. 10, 1819, and is the son of Phi- 
lemon and Mary (Millard) Banning. His early education, with the exception of 
two years at a country school when eight years old, was acquired in a cotton mill, 
where he spent the long hours from daylight till 8 P. M. An elder brother, 
however, taught the children arithmetic on Sundays, progressing “as far 
as The Rule of Three.” When a lad in his teens a broken arm gained 
in a chestnutting expedition, stopped his work and changed the whole 
■course of his life. While attending the school of Nelson Goodrich (then 
a student at Wilbraham, but afterward a preacher of the Providence Conference) 
in South Glastonbury, he and an older brother were converted under the ministry 
of George May. He entered Wilbraham Academy, studying summers and teach- 
ing winters to supply deficiencies. In this way he fitted for college, but becoming 
convinced of his duty to preach the gosnel, he entered the Biblical Institute at 
•Concord instead. Graduated in 1850, and united with the old Providence Conference. 
He was married April 6, 1852, to Miss Harriet E. Pitman, daughter of William R. Pit- 
man of New Bedford, Mass. His first charge was at Federal Street (now Broadway), 
Providence, R. I., as its first regular pastor. In all his pastorates numbers were 
added to the churches; North Dighton and East Bridgewater especially being the 
scenes of extensive revivals, in many instances, whole families being converted. 
In the spring of 1866, owing to his own ill health and continued sickness in his 
Jfamily, he was obliged to take a supernumerary relation to the Conference, but 
■continued to supply the pulpit of churches as he was able. In four of our churches 
lie was the first pastor. Since taking a superannuated relation, he has been un- 
able to preach, but has been a member of the Quarterly Conference of First 
Church, Newport. 

JOSIAH TOWNE BENTON was born in Tolland, Conn., April 10, 1828. He at- 
tended the common schools and studied a few months in a private institution. 
Books have been his chief instructors and experience his school for a life time. In 
■early manhood he began a business career but soon became conscious of a call to 
preach. In May, 1853, the Quarterly Conference at East Glastonbury, Conn., 
licensed him to preach. The following September he was placed in charge of the 
church in Tolland. In 1854 he joined the Conference. His appointments were Tol- 
land, Lyme and East Lyme, Lebanon; New Bedford, Fourth Street; Taunton, 
First Church; Providence, Centre Church; Stafford Springs; East Greenwich; 
Providence, Eddy Street; Centerville, R. I. ; Thompsonville; Uncasville and Nian- 
tic. In 1879 failing health compelled him to retire from active work. Nearly all his 
pastorates were marked by some measure of revival interest. The present church 
■edifice at Stafford Springs was built during his pastorate there. The church 
property in several other charges was considerably improved under his administra- 
tion. For more than twenty years he has resided in Niantic, Conn. 

WILLIAM McKENDREE BRAY was born in Vassalboro, Me., in 1821. He was 
educated at Vassalboro Academy, Me.,. Wesleyan Seminary and Biblical Institute, 
Concord, N. H. He was converted in 1848 and was licensed to preach in 1849, serv- 
ing as pastor of Congregational ohurches several years. He was received on trial 
In the East Maine Conference in 1856, at which session he was ordained deacon. 
He joined the Providence (New England Southern) Conference in 1866 and was ap- 
pointed to Little Compton. Among other places he has been stationed at Stafford 
Springs, Woonsocket, Provincetown, Centenary, etc. From 1876 to 1886 he acted as 
financial agent of the Conference Seminary. His charges were all blessed with 
revivals, the most extensive being in Little Compton, Centreville, R. I., and Mys- 
tic. He was made supernumerary in 1887 and superannuated in 1894, meanwhile 
supplying charges in New Jersey Conference. He is now residing in Navesink, 
N. J., aiding pastors in pulpit and revival work. Mr. Bray i£ the son of Rev. Sulli- 
van Bray for sixty years a well known minister in Maine. Two of his brothers, 
Horace and Charles, were members of the East Maine Conference until called to 
higher service. Three of his daughters married ministers, who are preaching in the 
New Jersey, New England and New England Southern Conferences, respectively; a 
brother-in-law, Dr. N. M. Wood, rendered excellent service, in the Baptist Church 
during his life. The aggregate of their ministerial life reached 207 years. 

BENJAMIN Iv. BOSWORTH was born Nov. 16, 1825. He was educated in the 
public schools of his native town and at Quinby Seminary, R. I. He entered the 
ministry in 1851 and joined Conference in 1856. Among his important charges were 
Marshfield, Provincetown, Centenary, Nantucket and Quarry Street, Fall River. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


265 


Great revival interest was shown at East Harwich, Marshfield, Provincetown, 
Nantucket and Sagamore. The church property was improved at Marshfield, South 
Harwich. Cataumet and Quarry Street, Fall River. He took the superannuate re- 
lation in 1896, after forty-six years of active service and now resides in Chil- 
mark, Mass. 


DENISON LEDYARD BROWN was born in Norwich, Conn., Nov. 26, 1836. He 
.gained his education in the public schools of Norwich, and Colchester, Conn., and 
was converted at Willimantic campmeeting, Sept. 6, 1860. He enlisted in Co. H, 
:21st Regt. Conn. Volunteers. August 8, 1832, was promoted to second lieutenant 
Sept. 5, 1862, and was discharged because of physical disabilities incurred in the 
service. He joined Conference in 1865. At East Thompson, his first appointment, 
fifty-six young people were converted the first winter. This included nearly all the 
young people in the community. At Staffordville in the winter of 1870 there were 
.about thirty conversions. There were revivals both winters at East Glastonbury, 
1870-71. At Wapping, in the fall of 1874, the Methodist and Congregationalist 
■churches, united in revival work, and owing to the illness and death of the pastor 
»of the Congregational church, Mr. Brown served as pastor of both churches for 
some four months, and there was a general quickening of the churches, and 
.about forty conversions, one of whom was an infidel who had not been inside a 
■church for twenty years. During the years of ’77-’79 at Warehouse Point he suc- 
ceeded in straightening the tangle in church property, caused by the loss of early 
records and gathering in and caring for the fruits of a gracious revival that pre- 
ceded his pastorate there. In 1881— forty conversions rewarded his work at Mys- 
tic. In 1882 — a debt of $900 was paid and the church was remodeled at an expense 
• of about $1,000. In 1884 at North Grosvenordale the interior of the church was 
remodeled, at an expense of $1,500. At Arnolds Mills, in 1890, a Christian Endeavor 
Society with quite a large number of associate members, became, with three ex- 
ceptions, all active, working Christians, in 1894 because of continued ill health he 
took a superannuate relation, and was sent by Rev. S. O. Benton, presiding 
-elder to supply at Wanskuck Mission, Providence. At the close of the winter of 
’96, a pleasant roomy chapel was dedicated at this place as a result of earnest 
work on the part of Mr. Brown. This chapel was built at a cost of $1,600, with a 
.-debt at dedication of only $525. He served tor thirteen years as treasurer of Con- 
ference Claimants Committee. 


WILDIAM O. CADY was born in Stafford, Conn., May 8, 1S21, educated in the 
public schools and graduated at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. After 
teaching one term, he entered the ministry, joining the Providence Conference in 
1847 Some of his most important charges were Colchester, Norwich, Rockville, 
Burnside and Phenix; find in all these appointments, powerful revivals of religion 
were witnessed. And, indeed, in all his pastorates sinners were converted to God. 
to whom be all the glory. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith 
the Lord.” 


SETH B CHASE was born in Paris, Me., Nov. 30, 1818. He attended Kents 
Hill Academy a part of two terms, but he sained the greater part of his knowledge, 
by experience in the different charges. He was converted at the age of twenty- 
one and joined the Maine Conference in 1846, but poor health made it necessary to 
discontinue work at the close of two years. Having somewhat again regained 
health he entered the active ministry again in 1850, remaining ten years in the 
Maine ’Conference. In 1870 he joined the New England Southern Conference. Con- 
versions occurred in most of his charges especially in Strong and Norway, Me., 
and at Harwich, Mass., goodly numbers were brought “into the king- 
dom.” He was superannuated in 1880 at the age of 62. He resides at present at 
Rocky Hill, Conn. 

HENRY W. CON ANT was born in Mansfield. Conn., on the 14th of January, 
1825 He was educated in the public schools of that town and also by private 
teachers He was converted it. the age of fifteen and joined the New England 
Southern Conference in 1852, being stationed, among other places, at fsoi^ic , 
■Conn Sachem Street and East Main Street. Large numbers were converted at 
Bolton Somers, and East Haddam, while conversions occurred in every charge 
Under his leadership a new church was built at Bolton, and at Somers the church 
was moved to a new location, was repaired and refurnished, the expenses being 
Tit nJnwided for While he was stationed at Sachem Street, Norwich, Conn., the 
church debt was cancelled, while at Uncasville a parsonage costing $3,300 was 
bought and paid for. Through all the years of his ministry he has been identified 
with the temperance work, and at his suggestion in 1868 a movement was com- 
menced which resulted in the organization of the Conference Temperance So- 
Hefv an? served far several years as its president. For fifteen years he acted 
without compensation, as secretary of East Greenwich Academy. He was granted 
the supernumerary relation in 1888. 

LEWIS E. DUNHAM was born in Marlborough, Conn., Nov. 19, 1825. He was 

^ a Cta t n ^ 1 nwlS AC He en joine n a d th l ?SS‘ (New' ingtanf Southern); 

COn ff6rfni n a\%o?th e Grolven“ r 

gffi? |e d w b L° f gr $ rter;up P e^u 0 m ff eVa^ JJgBXS 1 » a£ 

de ”jAMES3 °. DODGE was born August^, 1838. ^He was. 

•' school, three ™° nt ^ L v ivals‘ and conversions occurred on all his charges espec- 

ialfYaYGurlej^he^Ilockanum and Attaw^ltean^ At^he^st^namef^plEM^ grafted 

i'^supernumOTah'y^relation’in 6 l&Ksf and resides in Norwich Town. Conn. . 


266 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


EDWARD EDSON was born in Yarmouth, Mass., Oct. 2, 1834; was blessed with 
devoted Christian parents; and was converted when fourteen years of age under 
the labors of Rev. Nahum Tainter. He was licensed to preach by Rev. Paul Town- 
send, presiding elder. He prepared for college at Wilbraham, Mass., entered Wes- 
leyan University in 1856 and graduated in 1860. He married Miss Almira Cobb of 
Barnstable. He joined the Providence (New England Southern) Conference, 1861. 
Has been stationed at Duxbury, Osterville, North Easton. Vineyard Haven, Chat- 
ham, West Dennis, Wellfleet, Taunton, Mass.; Bristol, Pascoag, R. I. He was 
presiding elder of Norwich District from 1886-88. His whole ministry has been 
blessed with a good work of grace, and a goodly number of conversions on nearly 
every charge, has blessed his labors. 

SAMUEL FOX was born in London, Eng., March 21, 1813, and there received an 
academical education. He entered the ministry in the year 1843 within the 
bounds of the New England Southern Conference and has always served within 
its limits. From 1843 to 1860 he continued in regular active service. On account of 
failing health, he then, for two years became superannuated, but returned to 
active work in 1862 and so continued till 1890; from that date he has been on the 
superannuated list. His years of active service have been, under every variety of 
circumstances, expanded to 45 years. His successes, revivals and enterprises, 
have been varied and in some of his charges, where, in the general sense, there 
had been no revival, yet the estimate of the standard of personal piety had been 
largely elevated, not only throughout the church, but the whole community. How- 
ever, in its broadest sense God blessed his work in various places with His con- 
verting power. At Wellfleet in 1850, East Glastonbury in 1853, and in Pascoag, 1857, 
wonderfully did the Redeeming Lord manifest His saving Grace. From 1863-68 he had 
the toilers of the sea under his care, as Chaplain of the New Bedford Port Society. 
Though brief periods only were allotted them on shore, yet he was permitted to 
gather in some four score; among whom were two, who have become, one a min- 
ister, the other a foreign missionary. He now resides in New Bedford, in his 
eighty-fifth year, weak in the body but strong in the love of the Saviour he has so 
nobly served. 

ALMON E. HALL was born in Stamford, Vt., Dec. 6, 1846. He was educated 
in the public schools until about sixteen years of age, then went to Wesleyan 
Academy, where he was converted, and graduated in 1867. In 1868, he entered Wes- 
leyan University and was graduated in 1872. 1872-73 was spent at the Theological 
School of Boston University, supplying at North Dighton. He joined Conference 
in 1873 and was stationed at Dighton. In 1874 he was stationed at St. Paul’s, 
Providence, and in 1875-77 at West Dennis, where during the summer of 1877 his 
health broke down and for ten years he was unable to do much manual labor and 
no mental work. The year 1876, while at West Dennis, was a blessed revival year, 
and scores were converted, and large numbers joined the church. In 1877 he went 
to Williamstown, Mass., and engaged in business, where he holds several offices of 
trust and honor in both church and town. He represented the Second Berkshire 
district, in the legislature, during the past year. He was superannuated in 1878. 

EDWARD B. HINCKLEY was born in Osterville, Barnstable town and county. 
Mass., November 7, 1826, is the son of Mr. Oliver and Louisa Crocker Hinckley. 
He was led to remember his Creator in the days of his youth, and like Timothy, 
from a child he learned to know, and love, the holy Scriptures, by the instruc- 
tions of his grandfathers, grandmothers, father, and mother, and faithful Sabbath 
school teachers, and ministers of the Gospel who taught the way of life, and 
salvation, according to the Scriptures. He was converted and baptized, and joined 
the Church about 1840, soon after received license to exhort, and after a season in 
study at East Greenwich Academy, and with Rev 7 . George W. Stearns in Barn- 
stable and at Newberry, Vt., with Rev. Osmon C. Baker, in 1844 he commenced 
to preach the glorious Gospel at Orleans, Mass. In 1845 he was admitted to the 
Providence (New England Southern) Conference at New Bedford and stationed at 
Whittenton. In 1847 he married Miss Ruth Freeman Smith of Orleans, Mass., 
and was ordained deacon and stationed at Salem, Conn. He was superannuated 
in 1863 and now resides with his daughter in Provincetown, Mass. His life has 
been all faithfully consecrated to the work of preaching the Gospel. 

EDWARD LAWRENCE HYDE, youngest child of John Hyde and Lucy A. Bur- 
rows, was born in the. old homestead at Mystic Conn, (now old Mystic), May 21, 
lo3t>. The Methodist itinerants were always welcome guests, to his parents, and 
for *years they preached, in the first church built in the village and owned by" 
his father and two uncles. He received his early education in the village schools, 
at the Conference Seminary, and at Christ Church Hall, Pomfret, Conn. After 
this he was until twenty-three years of age, engaged in his father’s business. In 
1859 he was converted, and received into the Methodist Episcopal church during 
the ministry of Rev. E. L. Stanley. In New York City he studied architecture- 
and followed this with an art course under Johannes A. Oertel of the 
National Academy. During the late Rebellion he enlisted in the Connecticut 
cavalry, but on account of a bronchial trouble did not pass, and was discharged. 
He served the United States government as a draughtsman in the general inspec- 
tor’s office in New York City. In 1868 he was called to the ministry, stationed for- 
three years at South Somerset, Mass., where the church was remodeled from his 
design. Entered the theological school of Boston University, remained three years 
and was prime mover while there in the organization of the “Praying Band’’ of 
that school which for years did efficient work in and around Boston. In 1874 he mar- 
ried Imogene Adele Clarke, a native of New York, and with her entered upon the 
work in South Abington, Mass, (now Whitman) where they found neither church 
organization or church building. On this charge and at Middletown, R. I., and 
Middleboro, Mass., the revival spirit was effective as seen in the ingathering of 
many souls. He took the superannuate relation in 1889 on account of the decline of 
his wife s health. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


267 


^ ILLIAM PENN HIDE son of John Hyde and Lucy A. Burrows, was born 
<it Stic, Conn., February 15, wais converted in 1842, and for fifty-five years 

has uved a consistent life as a devout Christian man. He attended the schools of 
his native village, was at the Conference Seminary in East Greenwich between 
two and three years; entered Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., but his 
health failed and he did not graduate. Was in business for his father in Mystic, 
and also was in business there in manufacturing. He married June 6, 1859, Sera- 
phina S. Carr, daughter of William Carr and Temperance Smith. She is a’ direct 
descendant of John Tilley and his wife, Bridget Vandervel, passengers in the 
Mayflower, 1620, and also of Deputy Governor John Green of the Providence Plan- 
tations. He entered the ministry 1865, and was stationed at South Somerset, Mass., 
where he remained three years. In 1881 he removed wfith his family (his wife and 
eight children) to Santa Clara, Cal., and is now resident at Palo Alto, where two 
of his daughters are students in the Leland Stanford University. A faithful pas- 
tor and earnest preacher, and progressive man. 

JOHN D. KING was born in Leicester, Mass. Jan. 21, 1822. He was educated at 
the district school, and a few terms at the local academy, with one year at the 
Concord Biblical Institute (after having preached three years). He was li- 
censed as an exhorter in 1845, and in the same year was appointed to North 
Truro. His principal appointments were Thompsonville, New London, North 
Manchester, Pawtucket. Taunton First Church, Fall River First Church, New- 
tonville (New England Conference), Chatham and Edgartown. Revivals occured 
at Thompsonville, Taunton, Fall River and Edgartown. During his pastorate at 
Manchester, a new vestry was added to the church, also the First Church, Fall 
River, was raised up and a new vestry added and the audience room was remod- 
eled. Dr. King secured the lot for the Quarry Street Church and raised the first 
$2,000 towards its erection. He took the supernumary relation in 1871. In 1872 he 
established a Sunday School at Cottage City, then Vineyard Grove, and secured 
the first regular preaching in that place and subsequently organized the church 
provisionally in that place. He took the superannuate relation 1894. after forty- 
eight years of active service, and now resides in Cottage City. Dr. King has 
won a reputation as a professional microscropist. 

GEORGE H. LAMSON was born in 1839 in Lubec, Me., the most eastern town 
in the LTnited States. He received his preparatory course at East Maine Confer- 
ence Seminary and Wilbraham Academy. He entered Boston University School of 
Theology in 1869. He supplied Hanover charge while at the university, and was ap- 
pointed to Brayton Church, Fall River, in the spring of 1871. Some of his charges 
have been South Somerset, North Dighton, and Mystic; his last station being 
South Coventry in 1892-93. In 1894 he was granted the superannuate relation and 
now resides in East Hampton, Conn., one of his forme* charges. 

DUDLEY P. LEAVITT was born in Northwood, N. JI., Oct. 5, 1824. He was 
•educated in the public schools of that town, in the New Hampshire Conference 
Seminary, Northfield, and the Methodist General Biblical Institute, Concord, 
N. H. He joined the New Hampshire Conference in 1850. In 1866 he was made 
presiding elder of the Florida District of the South Carolina Mission Conference, 
and in 1886 he joined the New England Southern Conference, being stationed at 
New Bedford, County Street. He also served, among others, Providence, Trinity 
and Chestnut Street, East Weymouth and South Manchester. He has been par- 
ticularly successful as a revival preacher, even at his last charges, _ gracious re- 
vivals blessed his labors. He was granted the supernumerary relation in 1894 and 
now resides in Melrose, Mass. 

EDWARD A. LYON was born in Wellesley (then Needham), Mass.. December 
18, 1S15. He was educated in the public schools, with a few months at Wilbraham. 
He was converted at the age of 16 on Old Needham Circuit, New England Con- 
ference, October, 1832, Abram D. Merrill, preacher in charge. He was licensed to 
exhort by M. P. Webster at Union, Maine, September, 1838, and was licensed to 
preach at the Quarterly Conference at East Cambridge, Mass., April, 1839; joined 
the New England Conference on trial in June, 1839. When this Conference was di- 
vided in 1840 he was one of the number set off to the new Providence (New Eng- 
land Southern) Conference. Of the effective years of his ministry 24 were in Mas- 
sachusetts, 7 in Connecticut, and 11 in Rhode Island. On most of his charges 
gracious revivals prevailed, the most extensive of these being at Waltham, East 
Weymouth, North Easton, Warehouse Point and Newport, Thames Street. The 
church at Eastford was built during his pastorate in 1846 and the church at New- 
port, Thames Street, was built in 1863 through his. efficient labors. He was 
granted the superannuate relation in 1891, and resides in Acushnet, Mass, a 
comfort and helper to the pastor and an inspiration to the people of the place. 

W. V. MORRISON was born near West Middlesex, Mercer County, Pa.. Jan. 23, 
1830. His early years were spent at his home on his father’s farm. He_graduated 
at Alleghany College in 1854, and at the Biblical Institute, Concord, N. H., m 1857. 
He was licensed to preach in March, 1854, and joined the New England Southern 
Conference in April, 1857. Among his appointments were the following churches. 
Wellfleet, East Weymouth. Stafford Springs, Norwich, Central Church, Bristol. 
Large revivals were enjoyed in his pastorates at East Weymouth, Norwich and 
Bristol. He was presiding elder of Fall River district from 1874 to 1877 and of New 
Bedford district from 1883 to 1886, twelve successive years president of Martha s 
Vineyard campmeeting association and five years its agent. In 1877 his Alma 
Mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of D. D., and in 1884 his Conference 
honored him by sending him as delegate to the General Conference. He was 
President McKinley’s teacher for two yea's in Niles, Ohio. 

ELMER F. NEWELL was born in Windsorville, Conn., Aug. 19, 1864. His 
father, Rev. F. C. Newell, was for over 30 years a member of this Conference. 
He was graduated from Wesleyan University in the class of 1887, and began to 


268 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


preach (1888) at Osterville and Centreville, Mass. He was married Dec. 4. 1889, 
to Miss Lucy Phinney Hallett of Centreville, Mass., whose patience in time of 
trial and whose courage in the midst of despair is worthy of just praise. While 
stationed at East Glastonbury in 1891 it became necessary for him to stop 
preaching for a time in order to regain his health. He served as Principal of the 
High School in Terryville, Conn., a part of the year 1892, but was obliged to re- 
sign the position because of nervous trouble. For a time it was a bitter struggle 
between life and death, but he gradua lly came out of it, and was at last able 
to work quietly on a farm. He is slowly regaining his health, and hopes and 
prays that he shall soon be able to do effective work in the ministry. 

SAMUEL T. PATTERSON was born in Monmouth County, Middletown, N. J., 
May 25, 1831. His opportunities for education in early life were indeed limited, the 
district school affording him his only privilege. When but a lad he was converted,, 
and at once was possessed with the conviction that he was called of God, to the 
ministry. Against the same he fought until about thirty years of age, when he 
yielded to the call, sacrificing all worldly interest. In the year 1868 He joined the 
Providence (New England Southern) Conference, and has served gmong other 
charges, Middleboro, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Thomson Church and Stoughton. 
Several charges were blessed with gracious revival influence, viz., Middleboro, 
where over one hundred were received on probation; Embury Church, Central 
Falls, R. I., where many were gathered in; also Stoughton, Mass., and Pascoag, 
R. I., were greatly strengthened. At Li. tie Compton, R. I., a new church was 
completed, and was dedicated by Bishop Simpson. A new church was built at 
Central Falls. He was granted supernumerary relation in 1894 and now resides in. 
Stoughton, Mass. 

FRANCIS D. SARGENT was licensed as an exhorter at Swallow, Vt., in 1861. 
He entered the Union Army and at the close of the war, renewed his license at 
Auburn, N. Y. He was licensed as a local preacher at Empire, Mich., 1868. In 
1869 he joined the Genesee Conference and was sent to Bradford, Pa., to a d.vided 
and scattered church, and since then it has seemed his special work, to recon- 
cile divisions and in various wrnys prepare the way for his successor. He joined 
the New England Southern Conference in 1875, preaching at Fairhaven, Scituate, 
Mapleville and Glendale, and at Nantasket, etc. The early years of his ministry 
were very successful in work among young men and many revivals were enjoyed. 
While at Mapleville and Glendale and Fairhaven, revivals occured, during which 
goodly numbers professed conversion. At Nantasket he' instituted services for the 
summer visitors, resulting in a regular congregation of about two hundred. While 
at Marshfield in 1892 he suffered from nervous prostration, from which he has 
never fully recovered. He was made supernumerary in 1897 and resides at Rock- 
land, Mass. 

JOHN F. SHEFFIELD was born Jen. 8, 1823. He received the most of his educa- 
tion at Norwich and at Wilbraham Academy. He entered the New England 
Southern Conference in 1848. Some cf his important charges were: Hazardvllle, 
Manchester, Provincetown, Centenary Church, Vineyard Haven, and Providence, 
Asbury Church. Revival interest was manifested in nearly all his charges; but in 
a dozen instances, or more, the revivals were very powerful. In fifteen charges, im- 
provements were made, including the payment of debts, the placing of three bells 
in different churches, etc. At East Hartford and Sagamore, parsonages were 
secured, and while he was at Provincetown, Centenary Church was begun. In 
1890 he was made superannuated ar.d resides in Danielson, Conn. 

J. II. SHERMAN was born in Eastford, Conn., in 1839. His early educational 
advantages were limited, but he made the most of opportunities by pursuing his 
studies at home. He was licensed to preach in 1865 and joined the Minnesota Con- 
ference in 1866. His work was on frontier circuits receiving more or less aid 
from the missionary society. The five circuits served in that Conference, aggre- 
gated forty-two different regular preaching places. In seventeen of these places 
he preached the first sermon ever delivered in the neighborhood. There were 
revivals on all these circuits. The most extensive were on Howard Lake, Silver 
Lake and Brockway circuits. In two of these instances there were conversions in 
every family in the neighborhood and in several other places revivals were nearly 
as successful. In 1872 he was transferred to the New England Southern Confer- 
ence. There were revivals of general interest in his pastoral charges at Hope- 
ville, Voluntown, Hebronville, Dodgeville, Millville, and Versailles. He has been 
a superannuate since 1888. 

GEORGE W. STEARNS, M. D., was born in Reading, Vt., Dec. 25, 1814. He was 
educated in the public schools, the Norwich and Newbury seminaries, and in the 
Homoeopathic Medical College of Philadelphia, holding also a diploma from the 
Penn Medical University of Penn. He was converted at Newbury (Vt.), Seminary,. 
Oct. 5, 1834, its eldest son. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church on proba- 
tion October 9, was licensed to exhort on the West Windsor Circuit June 14, 1835, 
and to preach June 15, 1836, and the itinerary in July, 1837, in the New Hampshire 
Conference. Received appointments in four places, and then was transferred to 
the Providence Conference in June, 1842, and stationed at Barnstable, Mass., and 
various other places in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Revivals 
were enjoyed at Barnstable, Wellfleet, West Thompson, Holmes Hole and Bristol. 
His last pastorate was Wareham, when his health failed, compelling a cessation 
of his traveling in 1856. He commenced the practice of medicine in New Bedford 
in 1857, where he remained twenty-two years. He acted as chaplain for the alms 
house of the city for five years; and filled the pulpit of the Baptist Church at 
South Dartmouth for one year. He was also accustomed to fill vacancies in most of 
the churches in the city and surrounding towns. He is at present settled in 
Winchester, at 50 Washington Street. The oldest itinerant of the New England 
Southern Conference. 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


2 09 


1 ?’ STANL( EY was born in Thompson (now Putnam City), Conn., May 

a son o f Sylvester and Nancy Nichols Stanley. His mother, who 
was a devoted Christian and Methodist, after the death of her husband, moved to 
Hast Woodstock where there were no Methodist society. She was accustomed 
to mvite Methodist preachers to hold meeting's at her house. The final result 
was a Methodist Church established there. While Mr. Stanley was clerking in 
\ St01 L e m Ashford - Conn., under the labors of Rev. Erastus Benton, he joined the 
church as Eastford on probation. He was married in 1842 to Miss Laura Carpen- 
ter and remained several years in West Thompson, Conn., as an architect and 
builder He was licensed to preach in 1847 and joined the Conference in 1858. 
\v was stationed at Arnold s Mills a parsonage and horse sheds were built 

mostly by his own hands, while twenty or more were added to the church. During 
his pastorate at South Manchester a parsonage was built. Mr. Stanley furnished 
plans for the Stafford Springs Church edifice and for the Thames Street Church 
Newport; also fcr the parsonage at Newport, Marlboro Street. He was granted* 
the superannuate relation in 1889 and now resides in Highland Park Conn 


MICAH JONES TALBOT, D. D., was born Feb. 25, 1821. While a student at Wes- 
leyan University, Dec., 1842, was given an Exhorter’s license by Dr. Joseph Hol- 
dich. pastor of the University. After graduation in 1843, while studying at home in 
Maine, he received invitations to the pastorate of a Congregational Church in SL 
Stephen, New Brunswick, to the principalship of Kent’s Hill Seminary, and to a 
tutorship at Wesleyan University; but soon after the close of that year, he en- 
tered the pastoral work in the New England Southern Conference, at South Som- 
erset. In 1845 he was admitted to probation and in due time was received to mem- 
bership and adva_nced to orders. For appointments see the Year book. While at 
Fairhaven. in 1847, he was called to the charge of the new Seminary of the Ver- 
mont Conference. The call was not accepted- At close of pastorate at Nantucket 
declined election to a professorship in. McKendree College, Illinois. At Vineyard! 
Haven a great revival took place, resulting in the formation of the North Tisbury 
Church, and the conversion of Rev. Henry D. Robinson of our Conference with 
many others. At St. Paul’s, Fall River, he was active in the “Fremont Campaign,’' 
and for two years was the writer of the editorial leaders in the Fall River News. 
At Newport he was practically Superintendent of Public Schools; also at Bristol; 
and when that office was legally established in Newport, was the first occupant 
of the post, being called to it in 1865. At Newport a sweeping revival occurred, and 
nearly eighty persons were admitted to the Church at one service. From this pas- 
torate, was called to be principal of East Greenwich Academy. The next pastoral 
service was at Bristol, in 1864-65; in the midst of the second year came the call to 
Newport above referred to. While here, supplied Somerset, wrote editorials for two 
periodicals, besides editing the Newport Daily News, in addition to the duties of 
Superintendent. Five years in the Presiding-eldership were followed by five years 
in the pastorate; and these by seven more in the Presiding-eldership, ending in 
1886. Dr. Talbot has been delegate to the General Conference several times and for 
many years has been one of the most prominent men in the affairs of our Confer- 
ence, having held about every position of honor and trust that the Conference 
could give. 


JAMES ORWIN THOMPSON was born in Waldo, Waldo County, Me., June 9, 
1834. He received his education in the common schools of that town, Vassaltoro 
Academy, Fairfield Seminaxy and graduated at M. G. B. Institute, Concord, N. H., 
in June, 1866. In the same year he joined the Maine Conference, preaching there 
until 1871, when he joined the New England Southern Conference, being stationed 
at Vineyard Haven, Plymouth, Middletown, etc. Good revival spirit was mani- 
fested at Nantasket and Little Compton. At Nantasket, the parsonage was im- 
proved and enlarged and the title secured tO' the church, and the church refres- 
coed, repainted and refurnished. He was superannuated in 1883 and resides at 
Keyser, W. Va. 

WILLIAM TURKINGTON was born in Lurgan, Ireland in 1818. He received 
his education in the schools of that place together with the assistance of a private 
teacher at home. His father being a member of the Episcopal Church, intended 
to educate his son for that Church, but reverses came which caused those inten- 
tions to be given up. About this time the Methodist preachers came and prea,chea 
in dwelling-houses. He attended these meetings and was converted and appointed 
Class-Leader. He preached two years in connection with the Irish Conference, 
and then came to the United States in 1843, and joined New England Southern Con- 
ference in 1845. Some of his most important charges were Middletown, Moodus, 
Hockanum and Willimantic. In all his minstry, he never employed an evangelist, 
but conversions occurred at different times throughout the year. Large revivals 
occurred at Old Mystic and Willimantic. During his pastorate at Mansfield and 
Old Mystic, the churches were built ard at Windsorville the upper part of the 
church was finished. The building had been raised two years and only the vestry- 
finished. At Lyme the church was improved with new furniture, etc. 


DANIEL A. WHEDON was born in Brantingham, Lewis County, N. Y.„ 
December 16, 1823. He attended school in Cazenovia; graduated from the Wes- 
leyan University in 1845, and joined the New England Conference on probation ini 
1846. In 1847 he was transferred to the Oneida Conference, now Central New fork, 
and the first year there was on a circuit with E. G. (now Bishop) Andrews as 
junior preacher. Among the appointments in that Conference were Ithaca First 
Church, Auburn, First -Church and- First Church, Utica. In 1866 he was trans- 
ferred to the Providence Conference, and has occupied several of its leading pul- 
pits He has held many of the highest honors within the gifts of the Conference. 
He has been 3 amembeJof nine General Conferences In 1881 he was delegate to 
the Ecumenical Conference in London, and in 1884 delegate to the Centennial Con- 
ference at Baltimore. He was a member and secretary of the committee that 


270 


SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


prepared the present Hymnal of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In educa- 
tional matters he was a trustee of Cazenovia Seminary for ten years; since 1871 
he has been a trustee of Wesleyan University, and for the last ten years has 
been president of the Board of Directors of the East Greenwich Academy. He has 
contributed a number of articles to the Methodist Quarterly Review, two of which 
on “The Printed Greek Text of the New Testament,’’ gave the fullest account 
of it that had been published in this country. For ten years he furnished c for 
the Sunday School Journal Quarterly articles on “Methodism in the Lessons,” 
and for thirty years die was a frequent contributor to Zion’s Herald and other 
church papers. He wrote the notes on Collossians and Philippians and most 
of those on the Epistles of Peter for “Whedon’s Commentary.” In 1887, in con- 
nection with Rev. J. S. Whedon, prepared the volumes entitled “Essays, Re- 
views and Discourses,” and “Statements Theological and Critical,” by D. D. 
Whedon, D. D., LL. D. At the Centennial of New England Methodism, in Bos- 
ton, in 1890, he read a paper on “Methodist Theology.” In 1869 he received the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity from Wesleyan University. He now resides in East 
Greenwich, R. I. 

JOHN W. WILLETT was born in Hanson, Mass., May 22, 1824. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools of that town and at South Braintree Academy. In 
his early life he was a staunch believer in the doctrine of Universalism, and in 
both public and private maintained them by argument, until he was at last van- 
quished by the simple testimony of a young boy, at a service held in the M. E. 
Church at South Scituate. He at once entered the ministry in 1853, being sta- 
tioned at Yarmouthport. A few of his appointments were: Chatham; Taunton. 
Central Church; Rockville; Providence, Power Street; Pawtucket, Woonsocket and 
Middletown. He was ever a revival preacher, conversions occurring on all his 
charges. The church at Rockville was finished and dedicated during his pastorate 
there and the church at Hope Street, Providence, was begun and a parsonage 
erected while he was stationed there. He held tw T o of the highest honors in the 
gift of the Conference, namely, Presiding Elder (of New Bedford District, 1879-82), 
and delegate to the General Conference. He also served faithfully and well in 
the following offices: treasurer of the Conference funds, of the board of trustees, 
of the fund for disabled clergymen, and of the Conference Seminary in some of its 
most critical years. He was superannuated in 1893 and died at Taunton, Aug. 21, 
1897, leaving a widow and one daughter, Mrs. Alfred Messinger of Taunton. Mr. 
Wfillett for many years was one of the strong leaders in the Conference. 

DANIEL WISE was born in Portsmouth, England, January 10, 1813, edu- 
cated in Portsmouth Grammar School; removed to the United States in 1833, and 
joined the New England Conference in 1840. There he served churches at Ips- 
wich, Lowell and Springfield and some other appointments that are now in the 
New England Southern Conference, such as Nantasket and Hull. When the 
Providence Conference was separated from the New England he remained with 
the former, serving the leading - churches in Providence, Fall River, New Bed- 
ford, etc. 1852-56 he was editor of Zion’s Herald. He has edited many of our 
church and Sunday School periodicals. He edited and published the first Sunday 
School paper ever issued by Methodism. Perhaps American Methodism has 
produced no more voluminous writer than Dr. Wise. Nearly one hundred vol- 
umes have come from his pen, the aggregate sale of which has been consider- 
ably over one-half a million copies. Who can estimate the blessed influence of 
such a life? Probably no Sunday School library in Methodism is without some 
of his volumes. Among his many volumes we may mention the following: Life 
of Lorenzo Dow, (1840). Questions on Romans (1843), McGregor Family, (1845), Be- 
nevolent Traveller, (1846), Guide to the Savior, (1847), The Path of Life, (1847), Bridal 
Greetings (1850). Young Man’s Counsellor (1850), Young Ladies’ Counsellor (1851), My 
Uncle Tobey’s Library, twelve volumes (1853), Living Streams from the Fountain 
of Life (1854), Popular Objections to Methodism Considered and Answered (1856), 
Hollywood Stories, six volumes (1872), Pen Pictures from the Life of John Wes- 
ley (1874), Uncrowned Kings (1875, last edition 1886), Sketches and Anecdotes of 
American Methodists (1883), Our Missionary Heroes and Heroines (1884), Some Re- 
markable Women (1887). Faith, Hope, Love and Duty (1891). The dates of the 
above are of the last edition in many ccses. 


IF REMEMBER 



See a few patjes further on 


ARE THE BEST. 


ASK FOR THE 



See a few pages further on. |F YOU WANT THE BEST. 


EDGARTOWN PARSONAGE 








Rev. E. B. Hinckley. Rev. J. O. Dodge. Rev. W. H. Stetson. 

(Superannuate.) (Supernumerary.) (Deceased. i8t2-’97.) 



L. Harlow. 

i 826-’64 


DECEASED MEMBERS OF OUR CONFERENCE. 

D. M. Rogers. J. M. Worcester. 

i 8 3 8-’84 i 848-’ 7 8 

The dates indicate the years spent in the ministry. 


John Cooler. 

i843-’78 



DISTINGUISHED METHODIST PREACHERS FORMERLY MEMBERS OF OUR CONFERENCE. 

J. Benson Hamilton. Angelo Canoll. N. T. Whitaker. 

(Deceased.) 



OUR THREE PRESIDING ELDERS. 

Rev. Tj J. Everett. Rev. E. C. Bass. Rev. G. H. Bates. 

New Bedford District. Providence District. Norwich District. 

A biographical sketch of each presiding elder will appear ill his own district’s volume. 


THE CONFERENCE ENDORSEMENT OF THE 
SOUVENIR HISTORY. 


That there may be no misunderstanding as to the meaning of the 
line at the bottom of the title page, “With Conference Consent and 
Approval/ 1 we quote here from the Conference Year Book of 1897. 


(From Minutes jcf the Second Day— Page 17). 

“HISTORY OF CHURCHES. R. C. Miller announced his 
purpose to prepare a history of the Churches in the Conference, and 
requested that a special committee be apoinled to consider the sub- 
ject and report. On motion of W. H, Butler, the Presiding Elders 
were requested to nominate such a commit.ee, to be composed of 
three members from each District. The Presiding Elders nominated 
M. J. Talbot, G. W. King, B. F. Simon, J. G. Gammons, J. I. Bar- 
tholomew, W. F. Davis, W. C. Newell, C. M. Melden and W. I. 
Ward. The nominations were confirmed.” 


(From Minutes of the Sixth Day— Page 23). 

“SOUVENIR HISTORY. G. W. King, for the Committee on 
Souvenir History of the Conference, presented the following resolu- 
tion, which was adopted: 

Resolved, That we approve the general plan of the Souvenir 
History of the Conference proposed by Brother R. C. Miller, and 
promised him our hearty co-operation in the preparation and distri- 
bution of his work.” 


P. S. — It may be of interest to the general public also to know that one- 
half of the profits from the sale of this Souvenir History are to be divided 
between the Conference Claimants’ (old, worn-out ministers) Fund, and the 
Conference Home Missions’ (the weak, struggling churches) Fund. It is thus 
seen that the publishing of this work is not a private enterprise wholly, but 
one of general financial interest to the Conference. 



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year at Nippur, near ancient Babylon, the oldest known on earth, to the 
latest notable work of Kipling, Barrie or Howells. It was to present, in a 
single broad and vivid view, the finest products of the ages, from our own 
day back to the very dawn of books. 

Sixty centuries or more have rolled away since the ancient Babylon- 
ians first inscribed their thoughts, the history of their races and their 
quaint and often fantastic notions of the world, upon tablets and cylinders 
of clay. Unto them succeeded the Egyptians and the Hebrews, writing 
upon curious strips prepared from the papyrus plant. Yet later came the . 
age of the Classics, when the Greeks and Romans wrote with a stylus upon 
their parchment rolls, and rapid slave copyist made reproductions of the 
more popular writings, which circulated widely through the Empire. The 
age of darkness followed, and after it the awakening of the Renaissance, 
the invention of printing and the beginning of the modern world. And so 
vast has been the subsequent production of books that to day the volumes 
borne upon the shelves of several of the greater libraries of the earth are 
numbered by the hundreds of thousands. 

It was Mr. Warner’s gigantic conception to distill from these sixty 
centuries of books their very essence — to omit nothing that was vitally 
significant, of enduring value or of historic interest ; and yet at the ssme 
time to produce a real Library, every paragraph and page of which shoftld 
be literature of keen and present interest ; not a library for scholars and 
-bookworms merely, but for the living, busy public of to-day. 

Mr. Warner’s great Library is to literature what the Encyclopedia is 
to the arts and sciences — the highest achievement of the English-speak- 
ing race in this field. 

The Library is to consist of 30 royal octave volumes of about 600 
pages each, printed in large, clear type, on fine paper, substantially and 
richly bound in modern library style. The first volumes are now ready 
and the others will follow rapidly. Each volume will be lavishly illustrated 
with full-page and vignette portraits of authors. 

For full information , with specimen pages and illustrations , call upon or 

address the 

HARPERS WEEKLY CLUB, 

156 Tremont St., - - Boston, Mass. 































